Claim: James Taylor Ellyson, a Virginia lawyer and Democratic politician, was educated by tutors and in private schools and left Hampden-Sydney College in 1863 as he reached legal age.
Evidence: James Taylor Ellyson (May 20, 1847 – March 18, 1919) was a former Confederate soldier, as well as Virginia lawyer and Democratic politician, who served in several positions in his native Richmond, Virginia and statewide. James Ellyson was educated by tutors and in private schools. When he reached legal age in 1863, he left Hampden-Sydney College and enlisted to fight for the Confederacy in the Second Company of Richmond Howitzers, where he served until surrendering with his company at Appomattox Courthouse near the war's end.