NELSON, William

Affiliation:  Union

Born: September 27 1824, Maysville KY

Died: September 29 1862, Louisville KY

Pre-War Profession: Midshipman, naval service, Mexican war.

War Service: 1861 organized Union troops in Kentucky, September 1861 appointed Brig. Gen. of Volunteers, commanded 4th Divn at Shiloh, advance on Corinth, July 1862 promoted Maj. Gen. of Volunteers, Richmond KY (w), organized defenses of Louisville, killed by Gen. J C Davis. He founded Camp Dick Robinson, the first Union recruitment camp in Kentucky, which later was named after him.

Post War: After the Civil War, he returned to his permanent rank of colonel. Davis continued in military service until his death. He was the first military governor of Alaska after its purchase.