Born in Lima, N. Y., Aug. 5, 1839, he moved with his family to Saline, Mich. in 1848. He enlisted as a Sergeant in the Sixth Infantry June 19, 1861, was promoted to 1st Lieut. in Third Corps d'Afrique, Oct. 22, 1863 for three months. Reentered service in Co. D 30th Mich. Inf. as 2nd Lieut., Comm. Nov. 28, 1864, Comm. 1st Lieut Co. A, June 5, 1865, mustered out at Detroit, Mich., June 30, 1865. After his service in the war he was connected with the Michigan National Guard becoming Assistant Adjutant General. He wrote a book, "The Great Contest: A History of Military and Naval Operations during the Civil War", which was published in Detroit by the C. H. Smith & Co. in 1886. He died in Lansing April 13, 1888. (Record of Volunteers---Mich. v.6, p.73 M.P. & H.C. v.13, p.198)
From the description of Willis C. Humphrey papers, 1861-1888. (Detroit Public Library). WorldCat record id: 436937322
