8th Battalion Virginia Reserves
A Brief
History of the Unit
On August 9, 1864, the 8th Battalion Virginia Reserves,
commanded by Major W.A.J. Miller, was organized with four companies (A through D), as the 1st Battalion Valley Reserves. However, it was not officially recognized and designated as the 8th Battalion Virginia Reserves until February 27, 1865 (see Special Order #48, A&IGO).
Company B was known as the Page Reserves and was formerly known as Company B, 1st Battalion Valley Reserves. Though organized in August 1864, enlistment’s of several men from the Page Reserves goes back to May 28, 1864, possibly reflecting enlistments of Thomas Keyser’s Boy Company.
In late 1864, the battalion was temporarily broken up and a remnant served in the 3rd (Chrisman's) Battalion Virginia Reserve, under Major George Chrisman. The 3rd appears to have been a temporary consolidation of various battalions then known as the Valley Reserves (the Page County men were in Company C of this organization with J.W. Modesitt as captain). Records indicate that the Valley Reserve may have been a "paper" organization composed of old men and boys, most of who never reported for actual service.
Captains of the Page Reserves included W.A.J. Miller (promoted to major) and James William Modesitt.
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These pages authored and maintained by Robert H. Moore, II.
©2000 All rights reserved.
Robert H. Moore, II
Page established: 03/22/00
Last revised: 03/22/00