General Edward Dorr Tracy, Jr. (1833-1863)

Edward D. Tracy, Jr., was born in Macon, Georgia, on Nov. 5, 1833. His father served as Macon's second Mayor (1826-1828), a Judge of Superior Court, and hosted General Lafayette during his visit to Macon in 1825. The younger Tracy graduated from the University of Georgia in 1851, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1853. He was a member and deacon of First Presbyterian Church, and Macon Lodge No. 5, F.&A.M. In 1857, Tracy moved to Huntsville, Alabama. He was a Delegate to the 1860 Democratic National Convention, and an Alternate Elector for John C. Breckinridge in Alabama. In April, 1861, Tracy was commissioned a Captain in the 4th Alabama Infantry, C.S.A. He fought in the battles of First Manassas, Farmington, Shiloh and Vicksburg. He was rapidly promoted and on recommendation of General E. Kirby Smith, Tracy was promoted from Lt. Colonel to Brig. General on August 16, 1862. On May 1, 1863, leading his brigade of Georgians and Alabamians, General Tracy was killed at Port Gibson, Mississippi. His body was returned to Macon and buried here. His brother, Major Philemon Tracy, Editor of the "Macon Telegraph," was killed September 3, 1862 at Sharpesburg, Maryland.