Francis W. Capers: Academic Adventures and Military Marvels

General Francis Capers 

Francis W. Capers was born in Savannah, Georgia in August of 1819. His father was William Capers, a Methodist Episcopal Bishop. He first began his studies at Randolph-Macon College in Virginia in 1835 but transferred to the College of Charleston in 1836. 

Capers graduated first in his class from the beautiful college in 1840. For a few years after he graduated, he stayed at the College of Charleston to tutor students in math. When the South Carolina Military Academy was founded (now called the Citadel), Capers was recruited as the Professor of Mathematics as one of the original staff. 

In 1847, he resigned from his job at the Military Academy and began working as a professor or in ancient languages at Transylvania University in Kentucky. Six years later in 1853, he made his way back to the Military Academy where was made superintendent and received the major rank. 

After six years of being superintendent of the Military Academy, Capers resigned and accepted the command of the Georgia Military Institute in Marietta where he became superintendent. He remained at the Military Institute up until the beginning of the Civil War. 

Capers Hall at the Citadel (named after Francis and his brother)

Capers war experience began as captain of the Kennesaw Dragoons, however, his administrative abilities and experience in drill were needed in the training of the incoming troops. With these abilities, he served at many Georgia instruction camps by teaching tactics and skills. 

In 1861, Capers was chosen as a brigadier general to command a brigade of Georgia state troops guarding the coast by Governor Brown. After about a years service as a brigadier general, Capers returned to the Georgia Military Institute as, once again, superintendent. 

From that point one, Capers continued his military service throughout the war. Capers conducted classes in artillery instruction for state army officers, guarded railroad bridges, and fought the Union continuously through Sherman's March.

Ellison Capers

Francis Capers was not the only one in his family with military achievements. Ellison Capers, Francis's brother, graduated from the South Carolina Military Academy in 1857. Just like his brother, Ellison Capers was a professor of mathematics at the Military Academy. He also served in the Civil War, however, Ellison spent most of his time here in South Carolina. He was present during the bombardment of Fort Sumter.





Once the war was over, Francis Capers returned to the College of Charleston where he remained until his retirement. During his time at the college, he taught mathematics and civil engineering and served as president of the college. General Capers died in Charleston in January of 1892.

I decided to do Francis Capers for my Old Charlestonian project for many reasons. The first being I wanted to do my project on someone who had connections to the College of Charleston. I also found his in-depth academic background very intriguing. I thought it was very interesting that Capers spent the majority of his time during the war was in Georgia and not in South Carolina.

Bethel Cemetery 

General Capers in buried in the Bethel Cemetery here in Charleson. When I first saw and took a picture of his grave during our class grave visit, I did not think much of the simplicity of the cite. Now that I have done more research on him, I feel like he deserves a greater headstone.