William Flake Perry

Born in Georgia, he moved with his family to Alabama at age 10. He taught school and studied law in Talladega County, and was admitted to the bar in 1854, but did not practice. He was state superintendent of education for two terms before 1858, when he became President of the East Alabama Female College (Tuskegee).

He enlisted as Private in the 44th Alabama in May 1862, and was promoted to Lieutenant, then Major after 2nd Manassas in August.

Major Perry assumed command of the Regiment on the death of Colonel Derby.

He was promoted to Colonel after Sharpsburg, and was in command of the 44th at Gettysburg, where the Regiment assaulted Little Round Top, and he was mentioned for bravery in action at Chickamauga. He served with the Army of Northern Virginia for the campaigns of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor; he then commanded Law's Brigade at Pertersburg, eventually being promoted to Brigadier General to date from 21 February 1865.

He returned home and farmed for two years, then taught at Ogden College (Bowling Green, KY).

Service information and basic bio from Warner, 1 portrait photo above from Uriguen.2

Perry's middle name is frequently misspelled "Flank", and we originally had it wrong here - thanks to cousin William Flake Joiner for the correction.

3/12/1823; Jackson County, GA

12/18/1901; Bowling Green, KY; burial in Fairview Cemetery, Bowling Green, KY