William H. Brotherton, Atlanta politician and city commissioner, was born 8 February 1839, near Benton, Polk County, Tennessee, and died 27 February 1908, in Atlanta, Georgia. He went into business in Tifton, Georgia (1858), but enlisted in the Confederate Army (Georgia Infantry, 39th Regiment) with his brother, James, in 1862. The brothers were in various military camps in east Tennessee (1862), and participated in the siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi (1863). James died of wounds received at Baker's Creek (or Champion Hill), Mississippi on May 19, 1863. William served in Georgia until the close of the war and left the army as a captain. In 1869, William won a place on the Atlanta city council (re-elected 1873, 1882, 1883). He also served on the board of police commissioners and was active in Atlanta politics for many years.
From the description of William H. Brotherton papers, 1862-1908. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 173862932
