William Alexander Percy

William Alexander Percy (1885-1942) was a prominent American lawyer, planter, and author, best known for his memoir "Lanterns on the Levee: Recollections of a Planter's Son." Born in Greenville, Mississippi, Percy was the son of LeRoy Percy, a wealthy and influential senator. Educated at Sewanee: The University of the South and Harvard Law School, he initially pursued a career in law but his passion for literature and poetry eventually prevailed.

During World War I, Percy served as a Captain in the 37th Infantry Division, earning distinction and recognition for his bravery and leadership. Following the war, he returned to Mississippi, where he played a crucial role in the 1927 Mississippi River flood relief efforts, leading a massive humanitarian campaign that provided aid to thousands of displaced people.

Percy was also a mentor and guardian to his cousin, the famous Southern writer Walker Percy. His literary work primarily focused on themes of Southern culture, chivalry, and history, blending personal narrative with broader social observations. Though his conservative views on race and class have sparked controversy, his contributions to Southern literature and his efforts during the flood relief remain respected. Percy died in 1942, leaving behind a legacy as a thoughtful writer and dedicated public servant.