Historical Rosters Database

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William Estill Fife

Roster ID 579
This is a summary. Contact the Archives for additional biographical information.
First Name:William
Middle Name:Estill
Last Name:Fife
Suffix:
Affiliation:Class of 1855
Biography & Genealogy:William Estill Fife, Class of 1855: Genealogy: Born- Feb. 7, 1834, in Charleston, West Virginia. Father- Thomas Fife; Mother- Rebecca Estill. Pat. Grandfather- Edward Fife; Pat. Grandmother- unknown. Mat. Grandparents: unknown. Never married, no children. Matriculated to VMI from Kanawha Court House, West Virginia. At VMI 4 years. Pre War Career: admitted to bar 1857; pre-war militia officer. Military Record: Organized "Buffalo Guards," of which he was elected Captain; the unit became Company A, 36th Virginia; promoted to Major May 27, 1864 (some sources say June 24; date of rank March 30); promoted to Lieutenant Colonel Aug. 15, 1864 (date of rank May 18); slightly Wounded in Action (left thigh) at Cedar Creek; unofficial source says he was nominated to be a Brigadier General, but not confirmed; signed parole in Charleston, West Virginia. Post War Career: Farmer, lawyer. Died- July 4, 1891 in Railroad accident near Buffalo, VA.

About the Database

The database currently includes the names of all enrolled students (both graduates and non-graduates) from VMI's opening in 1839 through the World War II era. In addition, you will find biographical and genealogical information, including a summary of military service during the Civil War, for many individuals who attended in the 19th century. The database also includes some historical Faculty and Board of Visitors members, as well as U. S. Army students sent to VMI for training during World Wars I and II. The latter groups were not VMI cadets. For further information about an ancestor listed in the database, please contact the VMI Archives. We can check the complete record, let you know if other information available, and provide copies of original documents. This database is for historical research. We do not release information about living individuals.

VMI Archives
Virginia Military Institute
Lexington, VA 24450
archives@vmi.edu
540-464-7516