The Leftwich family has a long history in Virginia dating to the early seventeenth century. This deep-rooted family provided many Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. From Bedford County, several of John Smith Leftwich's sons donned gray uniforms-specifically, James B., Thomas, and William Leftwich.

James B. [Breckinridge] Leftwich was born in February 1836 and was a farmer by profession. He enlisted in the Confederate Army on April 21, 1861 and served in the 28th Virginia Regiment, Company F. James was wounded at Gettysburg. A POW from April 4, 1865 to June 19, 1865, James was transferred from Old Capitol Prison, in Washington D.C., to Sandusky, Ohio before his release. Following the war, James married Susan Elizabeth Jeter (daughter Jesse Jeter and Susan Robinson Jeter). They had six children. Susan was born on December 9, 1838 and died in Lynchburg, Virginia, August 25, 1920. James B. Leftwich died September 30, 1911.

Less biographical information is known about William and Thomas. Both served in the Confederate Army. William C. Leftwich was born on April 6, 1841 and died January 5, 1865. Thomas Jefferson Leftwich was born on October 29, 1847 and died on Feruary 1, 1865 in Chafins Farm Hospital near Richmond, Virginia.

Annie S. Gilliam was a mother and widow living in Amherst County, VA that fell in love with William Leftwich. After William's death, Annie wrote of her deep grief to Bettie (William's sister). Annie later moved to Marion, VA and remarried.