William Henry Wallace

William Henry Wallace (March 24, 1827 – March 21, 1901) was a Confederate States Army brigadier general during the American Civil War (Civil War). Before the Civil War, he was a planter, newspaper publisher, lawyer and South Carolina legislator in 1860 who supported the state calling a secession convention. He served in the Eastern Theater of the American Civil War, including service as a brigade commander in the Army of Northern Virginia. After the Civil War, he was a lawyer, planter, South Carolina legislator and circuit judge.

Early life Son of Congressman Daniel Wallace, William Henry Wallace was born March 24, 1827, in Laurens County, South Carolina, then the Laurens District. He graduated from South Carolina College, which became the University of South Carolina, in 1849. As a member of the South Carolina legislature in 1860, Wallace supported the state calling a convention for the purpose of deciding the issue of secession. Wallace married Sarah Smith Dunlap, the great granddaughter of United States Senator John Hunter (South Carolina politician). Wallace's son-in-law was John Calhoun Sheppard the 82nd governor of South Carolina.

American Civil War service When Wallace completed his term in the South Carolina state legislature, he enlisted as a private in the 18th South Carolina Infantry Regiment. He was soon regimental adjutant

When the colonel of the regiment was killed during the Second Bull Run Campaign on August 30, 1862, Wallace succeeded to command of the regiment to rank from that date as colonel. Wallace was paroled at Appomattox Court House on that date.