Born in Ohio, At the start of the Civil War,
William Houston lived in the community of Wayne, Michigan where
he and his brother worked together as blacksmiths.Born in Ohio, At the start of the Civil War,
William Houston lived in the community of Wayne, Michigan where
he and his brother worked together as blacksmiths.
William enlisted in company D on August 13, 1862, perhaps at the urging of his older brother, Almon, had enlisted in company D on August 2, 1862. At the time of his enlistment William was only 19.
The State Adjutant General's records have the last name spelled "Huston", but all other sources, including William himself, spell the name "Houston".
Not too much is known of William's service. One of his letters home, written on June 1, 1863 survives in the collections of the Wayne Historical Museum. In it, he indicates that the boys are "well contented". Poor William would have only one more month to live.
William Houston was killed in action on July 1, 1863 during the fighting on the first day at Gettysburg. Reports indicate that he was shot through the head and died instantly. William Houston was only 20
William is commemorated on the family monument in the old Wayne
cemetery. It is uncertain whether William's body was recovered
and brought home, or the monument is merely a cenotaph. In any
case, there is no marker in the Gettysburg National Cemetery for
William Houston.
Photograph courtesy of the Wayne Historical Museum
Last Updated: 07/04/99
Webmaster: Rob Richardson
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