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.
From the guide to the Wilder family papers, 1838-1865, (Hudson Library & Historical Society)
