Alfred D. Barksdale collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Military Institute Archives
Preston Library
Virginia Military Institute
345 Letcher Ave.
Lexington, VA 24450-0304
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Jeffrey S. Kozak
Phone: (540) 464-7516
Phone: (540) 464-7566
Fax: (540) 464-7089
Restrictions:

There are no restrictions

Preferred citation:

Alfred D. Barksdale collection, 1918-1919. MS 0465. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.

Summary

Extent:
8 items
Creator:
Barksdale, Alfred D. (Alfred Dickinson), 1892-1972
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Alfred D. Barksdale collection, 1918-1919. MS 0465. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection (eight items) documents the World War I United States Army career of Alfred D. Barksdale (VMI Class of 1911). A member of Company L, First Virginia Infantry, National Guard, Barksdale was called to active duty during the World War I. From 1917 to 1919 he served in France with M Company, 116th Infantry, 29th Division. This collection includes a a letter (dated August 20, 1918) from Barksdale to his sister, written shortly after his arrival in France. He comments on the visit of General John J. Pershing to his regimental headquarters and other activities. Also included are three snapshots of Barksdale (circa 1918) and items relating to the award of the Croix de Guerre.

Biographical / historical:

Alfred Dickinson Barksdale was born in 1892 in Halifax, Virginia to Judge William Randolph Barksdale and Hallie Craddock. He graduated from VMI in 1911 and received a law degree from the University of Virginia in 1915. He practiced law in Lynchburg, Virginia, and in 1938 was appointed Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit. In 1940 he became Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, retiring in 1957. Barksdale died in 1971 in Lynchburg.

Physical location:
Manuscripts stacks