Wilder family papers

Collection

Identifier: MS W436

Staff Only

Scope and Content

This collection consists primarily of William Wilder's personal correspondence while enlisted and serving in the Union Army (1861-1865). Specific dates, locations, people, and other detailed descriptions are included in William's letters. Several other letters from the same time period sent to William's family are included as well. The collection also contains William Wilder's military discharge and promotion certificates, and Austin Wilder's land deed. The collection also includes philatelic materials, specifically envelopes from the 1861-1865 time period.

Dates

Creation: 1838-1865

Creator

Wilder, William Winslow, 1841-1865 (Person)
Wilder family. (Family)

Restrictions on Access

The collection is open for research use.

Restrictions on Use

The collection is open for research use.

Biography of William Winslow Wilder

William Winslow Wilder (June 6, 1841-1865), son of Austin and Lydia Wilder, was a native of Hudson, Ohio, and worked as a laborer on his father's farm. William's father Austin Wilder owned 126 acres in Hudson and 14 acres in Streetsboro.

William Wilder enlisted in the American Civil War on June 11, 1861, and served in Company F, 7th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Company F was known as the "Franklin Rifles." On August 26, 1861, Wilder fought at the Battle of Kessler's Cross Lanes, and on September 10, 1861, he fought at the Battle of Carnifex Ferry. On March 23, 1862, he took part in the First Battle of Kernstown. On August 2, 1862, Wilder was discharged due to a medical condition, and was hospitalized in Columbus, Ohio.

In December, 1863, Wilder received notice that he would be promoted to First Lieutenant upon his re-enlistment, serving in company G of the first Ohio Regiment. In 1865 Wilder took part in the Siege of Petersburg. Afterwards, Wilder was taken to the 9th Army Corps Depot Hospital, in City Point, Virginia. William Wilder ultimately died of his war injuries in March, 1865.