Historical Rosters Database

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John Mayo Oliver

Roster ID 772
This is a summary. Contact the Archives for additional biographical information.
First Name:John
Middle Name:Mayo
Last Name:Oliver
Suffix:
Affiliation:Class of 1860
Biography & Genealogy:John Mayo Oliver, Class of 1860 (graduated 23 out of 41). Born- February 4, 1838. Matriculated from Christiansville, Va. At VMI 4 years. Military Record: Entered military service June 20, 1861 at Christiansville for 1 year as Captain, Company C, 21st Virginia. On recruiting service March 1862. Dropped at re-organization April 21, 1862. On December 17, 1862 re-entered service as Captain, Company B (originally Company C), Major T.E. Jackson's Battalion Light Artillery Virginia State Line. Conmpany disbanded late March 1863 and on April 17, 1863 he became Captain of Capt J.M. Oliver's Company Virginia Light Artillery which became Company K (originally Company D), 21st Virginia Cavalry. Killed in action near Wytheville opposing US raid. (Some records say mortally wounded in action; one says killed after surrendered.) Died- July 18, 1863 Wytheville, Va. Buried in Mecklenburg County at family cemetery.

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