William C. Bailey
Era: Civil War
Military Branch: Army
BAILEY, William C.
William C. Bailey was born in May of 1842. He lived in one of the town sites around Duluth, namely Oneota.
William was one of 18 locals of the St. Louis County area that served with the Union during the Civil War. William mustered in and out as a Private (PVT) in the Union Army.
Private Bailey initially enlisted with the Minnesota 4th Infantry Regiment. He was later assigned to Company K, 8th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. The 8th Minnesota Infantry Regiment was mustered into Federal service at Ft. Snelling in Minneapolis, Minnesota between June 2 and September 1, 1862. They were deployed to guarding the frontier during the Dakota War of 1862 until the spring of 1864.
At this time, the regiment was transferred to the 23rd Corps. In December, 1864 the 8th Minnesota participated in the 3rd Battle of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The regiment then marched to Alabama, moved to Washington DC, and landed at Wilmington, North Carolina and fought in the Battle of Wyse Fork, NC. The Regiment was present for Confederate General Johnston's surrender to Union General Sherman at Durham.
In the last year of the Civil War, the 8th Minnesota traveled more miles during than any other regiment of the Union Army. The 8th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment was finally mustered out on July 11, 1865.
For his military service and sacrifice he is honored with his name on the Wall of Remembrance at the Veterans Memorial Hall Gallery at the DEPOT in Duluth, Minnesota.
He is also featured on the SLCHS/VMH traveling exhibit, "The 18". The exhibit honors the 18 local Veterans known to have left everything to go off and fight for the Union in the Civil War. These 18 men, their characters forged in the rugged wilds of northern Minnesota, served the nation and helped build St. Louis County.
Source(s):
Albert J. Amatuzio Research Center | Veterans Memorial Hall (vets-hall.org)
Page 1 Civil War Service Index (CMSR) - Union - Minnesota - Fold3
