1615 Lincoln Ave, Charleston, IL 61920, United States
Capers attended Charleston High School.
College/University
Gallery of Ellison Capers
7401 Wheatley St, Houston, TX 77088, United States
Ellison Capers received additional training in Anderson Academy.
Gallery of Ellison Capers
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
In 1854 Ellison entered the South Carolina Military Academy (now The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina) and after his graduation early in 1857 remained for that year as an instructor in mathematics.
In 1854 Ellison entered the South Carolina Military Academy (now The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina) and after his graduation early in 1857 remained for that year as an instructor in mathematics.
Ellison Capers was a Confederate general in the American Civil War. He is probably better remembered for his later career in the Episcopal Church.
Background
Ellison Capers was born on October 14, 1837, in Charleston, South Carolina, United States. The Capers men were active and prominent as lawyers, soldiers, and religious leaders. His father, William Capers, was a well known Methodist minister and bishop and an instrumental voice in the 1844 sectional split of the church. His mother was Susan McGill Capers.
Education
Capers attended Charleston High School. He received additional training in the Conference School, Cokesbury, and in Anderson Academy. In 1854 he entered the South Carolina Military Academy (now The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina) and after his graduation early in 1857 remained for that year as an instructor in mathematics.
During 1858 Capers served as principal of the preparatory department at Mt. Zion College, Winnsboro, but returned to his old school in January 1859 as an assistant professor of mathematics.
At the outbreak of the Civil War Capers was elected major of a volunteer regiment which took part in the bombardment of Fort Sumter. This organization gave way to a permanent unit, the 24th South Carolina Infantry, of which Capers was lieutenant-colonel. After two years of fighting in the Carolinas, the most sanguinary at the battles on James Island, the regiment was ordered to go with Johnston, in May 1863, to the relief of Vicksburg. From this time until the surrender at Bentonville, Capers was in the midst of hard campaigning and much terrific fighting. He was wounded at Jackson, Mississippi, in May 1863, at Chickamauga in September of the same year, and at Franklin in November 1864. He was made general, succeeding Gist in command of the brigade. A few weeks after his return to Anderson in May 1865, Capers was chosen secretary of state for South Carolina under Gov. Orr.
His first charge, which he took in 1866, was Christ Church, Greenville. The following year he resigned his political position. In 1875 he went to Selma, Alabama, but returned the following year to the same Greenville parish.
In 1886 he was elected bishop of the Easton, Maryland, diocese but declined. In 1887 he was called to Trinity Church, Columbia; on July 20, 1893, he was consecrated assistant bishop of South Carolina; and in 1904 he was elected chancellor of the University of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee. His death, which followed a stroke of paralysis, occurred at his home in Columbia. Devoted as a churchman in his activities and interests, Bishop Capers went beyond narrowly interpreted ecclesiastical duty.
Moved partly by the deepening experiences of war-time, Ellison entered the ministry, electing not the Methodist church of his father but the Episcopal church of more remote ancestors.
Politics
Although an active Democrat, Capers found his calling in the Episcopal ministry.
Views
Capers championed higher education as a function of both church and state and he protested in many official charges against the growth of lawlessness and crime.
Quotations:
"Expose myself! That’s what an officer is for. We have a caused worth fighting for and we have to fight to win!"
Membership
Ellison was a member of the Southern Historical Association.
Personality
Quotes from others about the person
"We are expecting to go to General Lee’s assistance in a few days. Colonel Capers is in command. He is a splendid, gallant, dashing fellow... Let him go where he will, I will follow him."
Connections
Capers married Charlotte Rebecca Palmer on February 24, 1859. Together they had seven children.