Francis V. Randall | |
|---|---|
.jpg) From 1910's Pictorial History Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers, War of 1861–1865 | |
| Member of the Vermont House of Representatives from Roxbury | |
| In office 1858–1859 | |
| Preceded by | Edmund Pope |
| Succeeded by | Orin W. Orcutt |
| Postmaster of Northfield, Vermont | |
| In office 1853–1857 | |
| Preceded by | William Rogers |
| Succeeded by | James Currier |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 13, 1824 Braintree, Vermont |
| Died | March 1, 1885 (aged 61) Northfield, Vermont |
| Resting place | Elmwood Cemetery, Northfield, Vermont |
| Political party | Democratic (before 1861) Republican (from 1861) |
| Spouse(s) | Caroline Elizabeth Andrews (m. 1846–1860, div.) Fanny Gertrude Colby (m. 1863–1885, his death) |
| Relations | Gurdon P. Randall (brother) J. J. R. Randall (brother) |
| Children | 6 |
| Education | Norwich University (attended) |
| Profession | Attorney |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States (Union) |
| Branch/service | Vermont Militia Union Army |
| Years of service | 1860–1861 (Militia) 1861–1865 (Army) |
| Rank | Captain (Militia) Colonel (Army) |
| Commands | Capital Guards Company F, 2nd Vermont Volunteer Infantry Regiment 13th Vermont Infantry Regiment 17th Vermont Infantry Regiment 2nd Vermont Brigade |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Francis V. Randall (February 13, 1824 – March 1, 1885) was an attorney, farmer, college administrator, and military officer from Vermont. A Union Army veteran of the American Civil War, he was most notable for his service as commander of the 13th Vermont Infantry Regiment during the war and his post-war appointment as vice president of Norwich University.
A native of Braintree, Vermont, Randall was raised and educated in Braintree and Northfield, then studied law with a local attorney. Randall practiced in Northfield, Roxbury, Brookfield, and Montpelier while farming and becoming active in several business ventures. A Democrat, he served in local offices and represented Roxbury in the Vermont House of Representatives.
At the start of the American Civil War, he joined the Union Army and was commissioned captain and commander of Company F, 2nd Vermont Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Randall took part in several battles of the Peninsula campaign in 1861 and 1862, then returned to Vermont to raise the 13th Vermont Infantry Regiment, which he commanded with the rank of colonel. Randall led his regiment during several battles, and played an important role in the Union's success at the Battle of Gettysburg. After the 13th Vermont's enlistments expired, Randall raised the 17th Vermont Infantry Regiment, which he commanded as a colonel. He took part in the battles of the Siege of Petersburg, and remained in the service until the end of the war. Discharged in July 1865, he returned to Vermont, joined the Republican Party, and resumed his law practice and farming and business interests.
In 1883, Randall was appointed vice president of Norwich University. He died in Northfield on March 1, 1885, and was buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Northfield.