W. J. Ledbetter was commissioned a 1st Lieut. in the militia in Franklin County, Aug. 5, 1861, in the 10th Division, 9th Regiment, 4th Brigade.

Source: Alabama, Adjutant General's Office, Register of officers, Alabama Dept. of Archives and History

W. J. Ledbetter received one of the early pensions for maimed soldiers in 1883. The board of pension examiners of Franklin County sent the following to the state board of pension commissioners:

Application No - 39
W. J. Ledbetter; Both eyes shot out at the battle of Days Gap, entirely blind, application approved.

Source: Alabama, Confederate Pension and Service Records, 1862-1947, Alabama Dept. of Archives and History