Ellison Capers

Ellison Capers (October 14, 1837 – April 22, 1908) was a school teacher, Confederate general in the American Civil War, theologian, and college administrator from South Carolina.

Early life
Capers was the son of a Methodist bishop. He was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and educated in local schools. He graduated from South Carolina Military Academy, later known as The Citadel, in 1857, and then worked as a teacher at the academy.

Civil War
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Capers joined the Confederate Army with the rank of major. He served on coastal defense duties until 1863, having been promoted to lieutenant colonel of the 24th South Carolina Infantry. In May 1863 the regiment joined the army of General Joseph E. Johnston for the Vicksburg Campaign. Capers was wounded but promoted to colonel.

Capers returned to field service in time for the Chickamauga Campaign with the Army of Tennessee. He fought in the disastrous Battle of Franklin. After the campaign he commanded a brigade, replacing States Rights Gist, who had been killed in action. Capers was promoted to brigadier general on March 1, 1865, shortly before the end of hostilities. He was captured at Bentonville, North Carolina, but there is no record of parole.

Postbellum career
Capers returned home after the Civil War. In December 1865, he was elected Secretary of State for South Carolina. He was rector of Christ Church (Episcopal) in Greenville. He served as the Episcopal Bishop of South Carolina from 1894 to his death. He also served as chancellor of Sewanee: The University of the South from 1904 to 1908. He died in Columbia, South Carolina, and is buried there at Trinity Episcopal Churchyard.

Honors
The General Ellison Capers Camp #1212 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans was named in his honor.

Capers Hall at The Citadel is named in his honour.