[2] Shipp's father died in 1849, and his mother moved the family to Boone County, Missouri, in 1852 where he entered Westminster College in Fulton.

[3] In 1856, Shipp returned to Fauquier County, Virginia, and entered VMI at the encouragement of Robert E. Rodes who he worked with on the North Missouri Railroad, and his stepfather, Dr. Henry M. Clarkson.

[7] Shipp studied law at Washington College before the Civil War and earned his degree and was admitted to the bar in 1866, though he never practiced.

[9] In 1890, he became the second Superintendent of VMI, taking over from the retiring Francis H. Smith and serving with the rank of brigadier general from January 1, 1890, to June 30, 1907.

During his tenure as superintendent, enrollment at VMI increased by 60 percent, many construction projects were undertaken and the Institute's debts were fully paid.

After a few days, he was called to Camp Lee to serve as assistant adjutant general with the active rank of captain in the Provisional Army of Virginia.

"[13] One cadet commenting on Shipp's serious demeanor and physical presence said he was "a large man with close-trimmed black hair and beard, a solemn bearing and a deep voice.

"[10] After New Market, Union Gen. David Hunter took command of the Valley Campaign from Franz Sigel and burned VMI.

[14] Shipp retired from VMI in 1907 with the title of Superintendent Emeritus and remained in Lexington with his daughter Lucy Scott Huger and her family.