Elijah V. White facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elijah V. White
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|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | "Lige" |
| Born | August 29, 1832 Montgomery County, Maryland |
| Died | January 11, 1907 (aged 74) Leesburg, Virginia |
| Place of burial |
Union Cemetery
Leesburg, Virginia |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–65 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel |
| Commands held | 35th Virginia Cavalry Battalion Laurel Brigade |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Elijah Viers "Lige" White (born August 29, 1832 – died January 11, 1907) was a brave leader during the American Civil War. He commanded a special cavalry unit called the 35th Battalion of Virginia Cavalry. His soldiers were known as "White's Comanches." They earned this name because of their loud war cries and their quick, surprising attacks on enemy targets.
Contents
Early Life and Adventures
Elijah White was born in a place called Poolesville, Maryland. When he was 23, in 1855, he moved to Missouri. There, he joined in some fights over land near Kansas, known as the "border wars."
The next year, he came back home. He bought a large farm in Loudoun County, Virginia, close to Leesburg. This farm was located right across the Potomac River.
Joining the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Elijah White joined the army. He first became a corporal in a unit called the Loudoun Cavalry. He didn't stay there long.
In June 1861, he joined the 7th Virginia Cavalry. While he was home for a short break, he helped out during the Battle of Ball's Bluff. This battle happened near his farm. Because he was so helpful, he was made a captain. He was also allowed to gather his own group of men from Loudoun County to fight for the Confederate States Army.
Leading the 35th Battalion
In December 1861, Captain White started looking for new soldiers in Leesburg. By January 1862, he had enough men to form an active army unit. They were ordered to scout around Waterford.
Two months later, on March 19, his group had enough members to officially become the 35th Battalion of Virginia Cavalry. Even though they were meant for local border duty, Elijah White and his 35th Battalion soon joined bigger battles. They fought in important campaigns like Jackson's Valley Campaign. They also fought in the Battle of Brandy Station.
The 35th Battalion was one of the first Confederate units to reach Gettysburg. They chased away Pennsylvania soldiers on June 26, 1863. This happened during a trip towards the Susquehanna River.
For the last few months of the war, Elijah White and the 35th were part of the famous "Laurel Brigade." After the Battle of High Bridge on April 6, 1865, White was put in charge of this brigade. Four days later, he decided to break up the Laurel Brigade and the 35th Battalion. About a month later, on May 8, White was set free in Winchester.
Life After the War
After the war ended, Elijah White went back to Loudoun County. He was seen as a hero. He continued to work on his farm.
In 1866, he successfully ran for county sheriff. He served for four years. This was the only time White held a public office. He also became the President of Peoples National Bank of Leesburg for a while. He took over a ferry service, changing its name to White's Ferry. This ferry still operates today.
Elijah White passed away on January 11, 1907. He is buried in Union Cemetery in Leesburg.
Images for kids
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Military Portrait of E.V. White
