William Riley Lackey was known as "Granpaw Lackey" in all the family stories.
Born on January 21, 1833 and died on August 31, 1921, buried at Pine Grove Cemetery in Dalton, GA.
Married to Rebecca Jane Luffman, born on February 14, 1838 in South Carolina, died December 10, 1911, buried at Pine Grove Cemetery.
Their children were:
Dorcas Elzana (Aunt Zane) Lackey (1855-1936)
James A. Lackey (1857-____)
William H. Lackey (1861-1922)
Laura A. Lackey (1861-1935)
Robert Stephens Lackey (1867-1923)
Lavada Lackey (1871-____)
Mary Lackey (1884-____)
During the Civil War, W. R. Lackey was in the 39th Georgia, Company A, Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Cumming's Brigade, Stevenson's Division of the Army of Tennessee. March 10, 1862 has been documented by family as the day "he left for war". He was appointed 2nd Corporal on January 15th, 1864. He was wounded and captured at Kennesaw Mountain, GA, on July 4, 1864. His rank at capture was 4th Corporal.
There are notes that indicate he "claims to have been loyal {to the Confederacy} and deserted to avail himself of amnesty proclamation". According to family records, when he was captured he had no shoes and his clothes were tattered. He knew he couldn't survive the Northern military prison. He had a wife and two children at home to think about. He was transferred from Camp Douglas, IL, on March 26, 1865 and then enlisted in Company F, 6th Regiment of the US Volunteers ---which made him a "galvanized Yankee". According to family history, his amnesty was granted because he could read and write, and he was promised he wouldn't be sent back South to fight against the Confederacy.
Notes about the 39th Georgia during W. R. Lackey's service time:Those who enlisted into the Confederate Infantry in 1862 in Dalton GA, became the 39th Georgia Volunteer Infantry, and were drilled, outfitted and equipped at Camp McDonald, Big Shanty (now Kennesaw, GA). They were formed as part of General Stevenson's Division, and sent up as far North as Frankfort, KY. They then entrained back to Chattanooga, then went to Nashville, and went into Camp at Murfreesboro. Then the 39th was assigned to reinforce Pemberton's Army in Vicksburg, and later became part of Gen. Cumming's Brigade. The 39th, along with the 34th, 36th, and 56th GVI then participated in the
Battle of Champions Hill, and then retreated back to Vicksburg, where they ultimately were surrendered, and paroled.
Back at Dalton, GA, the 39th was declared Exchanged on September 12, 1863. Cummings Brigade then reported to Gen. Bragg at the
Siege of Chattanooga, and were placed up on
Lookout Mountain. After the Battle above the Clouds, they were ordered to the far right and placed at the railroad tunnel, beside Cleburne's Division. After spirited fighting along side the Cleburne Division, and fighting back Sherman's Army, Cumming's Brigade was ordered back to Chickamauga Station, after the Confederate Army was routed and fell back to Dalton and Rocky Face Ridge.
Gen. Joe E. Johnston took over the AOT, and morale picked up and rejuvenation took place in the ranks, and slowly the Army built itself back up. Along with other Brigades, the 39th and the rest of Cummings Brigade helped beat back a Federal Probe of the Rocky Face defenses in February of 1864. The
Battle of Dalton began the Atlanta Campaign, which the 39th and the rest of the AOT fought throughout the
Battles of Resaca, Cassville, New Hope Church, Dallas, Kolb's Farm, Kennesaw Mountain, Atlanta-Siege, and Jonesboro.
