Professor of History. Author. Navy Veteran. William Minor Dabney was born in Norfolk, Virginia the son of James Cabell and Mary Whittle Dabney. He attended the College of William and Mary, and eventually earned his Master’s and Doctorate at the University of Virginia. Early in his career, he taught at the Armstrong Junior College in Savannah, Georgia. During World War II Dabney joined the Navy, and served as an officer aboard the USS Tattnall in the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean and Pacific Ocean. Following the war he returned to Armstrong Junior College and the University of Virginia to complete his education. In 1951 Dabney accepted a position at the University of New Mexico as a Professor of History, and he continued at this job for more than 32 years. He was a gifted speaker with a warm sense of humor, and he remained very popular with the students throughout his long tenure. He was also the author of several professional papers and articles, and is most remembered for his book “William Henry Drayton and the American Revolution.” During his career he was honored with a Fulbright grant which allowed him to teach for a year at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. To his many students, Dr. Dabney is remembered as a mentor and friend. He was the professor who rode his bicycle to work each day, and would wave as he went by. He knew how to link history to current events, and show why it was so important to know the foundations of our nation and the details of the Constitution. His lectures were legendary. He was also a true gentleman, and seemed to always remember every student’s name. The University of New Mexico continues to honor him having created the William M. Dabney History Scholarship in his memory.

Bio from EddieM (#47083914)

Ashes interred June 10, 2000.