William Scott Dilworth was born around 1822 in Georgia to William Dilworth and Elizabeth Scott. He eventually moved to Monticello, Florida, and he earned a living as a lawyer and planter. He married Cornelia Gaulden in the 1850s, and they had at least three children: Albert, born around 1855; Elizabeth, born around 1857; and Laura, born around 1859. By 1860, he owned $25,000 of real estate and $48,150 of personal property.

 

He enlisted in the Confederate army early in the war and apparently mustered in as a private. On August 10, 1861, he received a commission as colonel of the 3^rd Florida Infantry. When critics condemned the “deplorable condition” of the regiment, Dilworth angrily replied, “God knows I have worked harder here than I ever did in my life, and my only motive has been to serve my country.” In late 1861, he assumed temporary command of the Department of Middle and East Florida. His regiment took part in the Vicksburg campaign, the Battle of Chickamauga, the Atlanta campaign, and the Carolinas campaign. He surrendered to Union forces on May 10, 1865.

 

Dilworth returned home to Florida after the war, and he died in 1869.

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