Rector & Member Archives

R. P. Carson

1880-81

Robert P. Carson served on the board of visitors from 1880 to 1881 and was rector from 1880 to 1881.

Carson was born to Joseph and Jane Carson on July 10, 1832, in Washington County, Va. In 1849, he went to the Abingdon Male Academy, then in 1851, he went to Virginia Military Institute and was graduated in 1854.

In 1861, Carson, the a captain, headed the Glade Springs Rifles in Washington County. When the 37th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment was organized there in May 1861, Carson was named a lieutenant colonel in the regiment.

Following the war, from 1865 to 1871, he was the principal of the Abingdon Academy. He went on to become the superintent of schools for Washington County. He died in 1924.