William enlisted at Port Huron, Michigan for 3 years service on September 10, 1861, at the age of 19. He mustered in on November 26, 1861. He was taken prisoner at Shiloh, Tennessee, on April 6, 1862, and confined at Macon, Georgia, and other locations for 53 days. After being exchanged he re-enlisted at Pulaski, Tennessee. He mustered out at Detroit, Michigan, on June 14, 1865.He is buried in Huckins Cemetery, just west of Lexington, Michigan.
21 November 2003