William Scott Ketchum (1813-1871) was born in Norfolk, Connecticut. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1834 and served in garrisons on the frontier in the war against the Seminoles in Florida, and became a captain in the 6th Infantry in February 1842. From 1842 till 1861 he was engaged in garrison duty on the western frontier and Pacific coast, and was promoted major in the 4th infantry in June, 1860. He became acting inspector-general of the Department of the Missouri in March, 1861, with headquarters at St. Louis. In February, 1862, he was made brigadier-general of volunteers, and given charge of the organization of recruits in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and later served in the War Department. During the latter part of the Civil War he was connected with the quartermaster's department, and after being brevetted major-general, on March 13, 1865, he was mustered out of the volunteer service. He then served on special duty in the adjutant-general's department until 1870 at the time of his retirement.
From the description of Ketchum, W. Scott (William Scott), 1813-1871 (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration). naId: 10610081
