Historical Rosters Database
Walter Herron Taylor
Roster ID 656This is a summary. Contact the Archives for additional biographical information.
| First Name: | Walter |
| Middle Name: | Herron |
| Last Name: | Taylor |
| Suffix: | |
| Affiliation: | Class of 1857 |
| Biography & Genealogy: | Walter Herron Taylor, Class of 1857: Born- June 13, 1838. Matriculated from Norfolk, Va. At VMI 1 year, 7 months (entered as a sophomore). Military Record: Withdrew from VMI because of death of father. Joined the "Southern Guard" (Norfolk militia company) late 1850s. To Sgt. Entered service as 1st Lt April 19, 1861 with company which became Company F, 54th Virginia Militia then Company G, 6th Virginia. On May 2, 1861 ordered by governor to duty at HQ Virginia foces as 1st, Provisional Army of Virginia, on staff of (Va) Maj Gen (later CS Gen) R.E. Lee. On Lee's staff rest of war (youngest member of Lee's staff). Meanwhile, on May 20, 1861 appointed 2nd Lt, Company G, 6th Virginia, and on May 31 Capt, PAV and Assistant Adjutant General on Lee's staff. To 1st Lt, Reserve Army Confederate States July 16, 1861. To Capt, PACS December 31, 1861 (date of rank December 10). To Maj, PACS April 21, 1862; Lt Col January 15, 1864 (date of rank December 21, 1863). Named Adjutant General, Army of Northern Virginia December 1863. Led charge of 18th Virginia at Gaines's Mill. On July 1, 1863 carried famous order from Lee to Lt Gen R.S. Ewell to seize high ground south of Gettysburg, Pa "if practicable." Paroled at Appomattox. Post War Career: Auditor, hardware merchant; banker; insurance; railroader; public official. Corresponding Secretary, Army of Northern Virginia; Vice President, Lee Memorial Association. Episcopal. Democrat. Represented Norfolk and Princess Anne County in Virginia Senate 1869-73. Member VMI Board of Visitors 1870-79. Died- March 1, 1916 in Norfolk, Va. Buried Elmwood Cemetery there. |
