John O. Willson

Class of 1862

Hometown: Carnes Cross Roads, SC

Distinguished Alumnus Photo

  • President of Lander College Greenwood, SC 1904-22.
  • Editor of the Southern Christian Advocator 1894-1902.
  • Admitted to practice law in SC 1866.
  • Awarded Doctor of Divinity by Wofford College 1896.
  • In June of 1862, Willson, then a member of the 2d Class, left the Citadel with other cadets to enlist in Confederate service with the Cadet Rangers.  The Cadet Rangers were mustered into Confederate service on July 23, 1862, as Company F, 16th BN SC Cavalry (later Redesignated as Company F, 6th Regiment SC Cavalry).  The Cadet Rangers saw action with General Butler's Brigade in the battles of the Wilderness and Cold Harbor and other conflicts.  On June 11-12, 1864, the Cadet Rangers took part in the largest cavalry battle of the Civil War at Trevelian Station, Virginia.  Their cavalry charge under the command of General Wade Hampton to save a Confederate artillery battery, was memorialized in a painting by Mort Kunstler in his "Charge at Trevilian Station." The painting can be viewed here
  • Beginning in 1911 a ring named in his honor has been presented to a member of the graduating class voted by classmates as the "finest, purest, and most courteous cadet." 
  • A street located near the faculty apartments is named in his honor, erroneously spelled with only one 'l'.