Historical Rosters Database

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James Purcell Cowardin

Roster ID 967
This is a summary. Contact the Archives for additional biographical information.
First Name:James
Middle Name:Purcell
Last Name:Cowardin
Suffix:
Affiliation:Class of 1866
Biography & Genealogy:James Purcell Cowardin, Class of 1866: Genealogy: Born- Dec. 21, 1846 in Richmond, Va. Father- James A. Cowardin, founder and Editor of the Richmond Times Dispatch; Mother- Anna Purcell No information on grandparents Never married, no children VMI Record: Entered VMI- Nov. 6, 1862; Dismissed Aug. 6, 1863 for hazing (not caught, but confessed to the act to save the sentinel on guard from being dismissed); Reinstated by the Board of Visitors Jan. 29, 1864; Resigned Feb. 19, 1864 to enter military service Civil War Record: Private in Co. I 1st Confederate Engineers Regiment; later promoted to Sgt. at an unknown date; moved to Co. A. May 6, 1864; In hospital Aug- Oct. 1864 will illness; Promoted to Sgt. Major Oct. 1, 1864; Paroled at Appomattox Careers: Ship's clerk; Journalist; Lecturer Died- Oct. 15, 1877 in Richmond, 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