William Holding Echols

William Echols was the son of the fifth of the same name who was a Major in Confederate States of America.

He returned to UVA as adjunct professor of mathematics in 1891, teaching mechanical engineering and serving as the building and grounds supervisor.

Echols, in a dramatic attempt to save the Rotunda, attempted to use dynamite to destroy the roofed portico that connected the Annex and the Rotunda and keep the fire from spreading to the historic building.

[4][5] He remained active in University life and was a member of Eli Banana.

He died of a heart attack in his home on the East Lawn in 1934 and is buried in the university cemetery.