William M. Wilson was born around 1838 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the Union army on April 22, 1861, and he mustered in as a private in Company B of the 13^th Ohio Infantry two days later. He mustered out on May 29, 1861, but he returned to the company the following month when it reorganized as a three-year regiment. The regiment took part in the Battle of Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, the Battle of Perryville, and the Battle of Stones River.

 

He described Stones River as a “Bloody & Murderous Battle,” but he rejoiced that “Victory is ours and when we have Victory we have Glory.” In July 1863, Union officials transferred him to the 12^th Veteran Reserve Corps. He mustered out sometime afterward.

 

He returned to Philadelphia after leaving the army, and he married Catherine B. Gordan on July 7, 1864. They had at least five children: John, born around 1865; Joseph, born around 1867; Catherine, born around 1869; Mary, born around 1871; and Richard, born around 1877. He earned a living as a “huckster” and laborer. By 1880, he was suffering from chronic diarrhea. He applied for a federal pension in April 1881 and eventually received one. He died “suddenly” in Philadelphia on October 1, 1901.

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