At age 17, William L. Lawrence enlisted in Co. L., 12th Tennessee Infantry on June 2, 1861. While serving in the 12th Tenn Inf. William saw combat at the Battle of Belmont. Being on the Missouri side of the river, they bore the first shock of the Federal attack.
In February 1862, the brigade moved to Corinth, Mississippi. The unit was engaged both days of the Battle of Shiloh on April 6 and 7 serving under Brigadier General Charles Clark.
After Shiloh, Company L of the 12th Tenn Inf. (all Kentucky men) was transferred to the 3rd Ky Mtd. Infantry. While in the 3rd KY his unit was sent to assist Gen. Pemberton in the defense of Vicksburg.
By March 1864, the Third's numbers were small and with no hope of recruiting from their home state, they were directed to report to Gen. Bedford Forrest. William stayed with his unit fighting close to home at Paducah, KY and then back to Brice's Crossroad in TN.
William was captured during an attack on the Federal railroad at Sulfur Branch Trestle near Athens, AL on Sept. 25, 1864. He was taken to the Military Prison, Louisville, KY. by Oct. 15. He was forwarded to Camp Chase, Ohio the next day. He never arrived. He escaped en route to the prison.
William doesn't appear again on any rolls that can be found at this time. However, his wife drew a Confederate pension based on William's service. In the affidavits by fellow soldier, it stated that William ras with Gen Forrest started his raid from Waverly, MS to Selma, AL.
View William L. Lawrence photo in the Greene County Scrapbook®
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