While exploring Fold3, I found records for a W.S. Pigg that served as a Confederate Private with Company I in the 8th Tennessee Infantry. My third great-grandfather was William Stokely Pigg, and I think this might be him. The records paint an interesting story, and I wish I knew more details. I haven’t found anything about William’s service on any family trees mentioning him.

The Basics

FamilySearch gives us a few background details about Company I from the 8th Tennessee Regiment. It was made up of men from Marshall County. The 8th TN Regiment was originally formed at Camp Trousdale, Sumner County, Tennessee in May 1861. However, W.S. joined October 1, 1862 in “Newhope” by Lt. J.D. Dyer. We know William lived in Lincoln County, and New Hope is a small community in Lincoln County.

More research on Lt. J.D. Dyer indicates he is Second Lieutenant James D. Dyer. I do not know who Lt. Dyer is, but William married Sarah Madeline Dyer, so Lt. Dyer could be related to her. I haven’t found any connection yet.

While the first 5 records list him as “W.S”, the last two list list him as “Wm” which is a shortened form of William.

He deserted in August 1863 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was allowed to return home. Home was listed as near Petersburg, in Lincoln County, Tennessee. This is the same area we know William Stokely Pigg to live in. Chattanooga is not too far from Petersburg; Perhaps William thought he could make it home without being caught.

I have tried to locate another William S. Pigg living near Petersburg at the time of the war, but can’t find anyone else who fits this profile. This definitely could be William Stokely Pigg, and perhaps the Civil War was a chapter he wished to close and remain in the past. He did not ever file for a pension.

More information on the 8th TN Infantry – Confederacy. 

If you have more information on W.S./William, please send me an email at downhomegenealogy@gmail.com.

The Records

Copies of the records:
(Click each record to enlarge.)

Here are the transcribed records (7 pages total):

PAGE 1
Pigg, W.S.
Co. I, 8 Tennessee Inf.
Became part of 1 Consolidated Reg’t Tenn. inf. about Apr. 9, ’65
(Confederate)
Private, Private
Card numbers
46863602
3685
3768
3899
46535476
47071386

PAGE 2
(Confederate.)
P 8 Tenn.
W.S. Pigg
Prv, Co. I, 8 Reg’t Tennessee Vols.*
Appears on Company Muster Roll of the organization named above
for Aug 31 to Dec 31, 1862
Enlisted:
When Oct 1, 1862
Where Newhope
By whom Lt. Dyer
Period 2 years
Present

PAGE 3
(Confederate.)
P 8 Tenn.
W.S. Pigg
Prv, Co. I, 8 Reg’t Tennessee Vols.*
Appears on Company Muster Roll of the organization named above
for Jany & Feby, 1863
Enlisted:
When Oct 1, 1862
Where Newhope
By whom J.D. Dyer
Period 2 years
Last paid:
By whom Dashiell
To what time Dec 31
Present

PAGE 4
(Confederate.)
P 8 Tenn.
W.S. Pigg
Prv, Co. I, 8 Reg’t Tennessee Vols.*
Appears on Company Muster Roll of the organization named above
for Mch & Apr, 1863
Enlisted:
When Oct 1, 1862
Where Newhope
By whom Lt. J.D. Dyer
Period 2 years
Last paid:
By whom Dashiell
To what time Dec 31
Present or abset
Remarks:
Absent without leave. Present for duty.
*Name does not appear in column of names present

PAGE 5
(Confederate.)
P 8 Tenn.
W.S. Pigg
Prv, { Capt. James M. McAfee’s Company, 8 Regiment Tennessee Infantry.*
Appears on Company Muster Roll of the organization named above
Roll dated Near Dalton Ga.
Dec 10, 1864
Joined for duty and enrolled:
When Oct 1, 1862
Where Newhope
By whom Lt. J.D. Dyer
Period 12 mos. years
Remarks:
Deserted from Camp near Chattanooga Tenn in Aug. 1863.
****TEXT IN PENCIL BELOW THAT I CANNOT READ****

PAGE 6
(Confederate.)
P 8 Tenn.
Wm Pigg
Prv, Co. I. 8th Regt. Tenn
Appears on a
List
of Deserters from the Rebel Army paroled and released at Tullahoma, Tenn. Allowed to go to their homes.
List dated Headquarters Department of the Cumberland, Office Provost Marshal General, Tullahoma, Tenn., July 9, 1863
Residence near Petersburg
Lincoln Co.

PAGE 7
(Confederate.)
P 8 Tenn.
Wm Pigg
Prv, Co. I. 8th Regt. Tenn Inf
Appears on a register of
Prisoners of War,
Department of the Cumberland
[[Questions/text blank]]
Remarks: Deserter Paroled and allowed to return home.