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VMI's Civil War Generals
John McCausland, Class of 1857

VMI Civil War Generals top level 

  • Biographical InformationJohn McCausland Photo
    • Early Life
      Born St. Louis, Missouri on September 15, 1837. Parents: John McCausland (b. County Tyrone, Ireland) and Harriett Kyle (b. Botetourt Co., Virginia). After the death of his parents (ca. 1849) he came to Mason County [West] Virginia to live with his uncle, Alexander McCausland.
    • VMI record
      Enrolled at VMI on August 2, 1853; was graduated on July 4, 1857, standing first in a class of 22 (distinguished graduate).
    • Marriage
      Emmett Hannah, 1878; 3 sons and 1 daughter.
    • Pre-Civil War
      Studied at University of Virginia; Assistant Professor at VMI (Math and Tactics); in 1859 accompanied the detachment of VMI cadets sent to stand guard at John Brown's execution. 
    • Civil War
      Commissioned Colonel, 36th Virginia Infantry; April 1862-May 1864 commanded brigade in Dept. of Western Virginia; appointed Brigadier General 1864 May 18; led cavalry brigade against Gen. Hunter in Shenandoah Valley in May-June 1864 and delayed Union advance upon Lynchburg, VA. until Confederate Gen. Early could occupy the city; led cavalry raid into Pennsylvania and was responsible for the burning of Chambersburg, PA.
    • Post-war
      Spent several years in Europe and Mexico before returning to his farm in West Virginia; died at his home near Point Pleasant, West Virginia, on January 23, 1927.