Enlistment Date: Unknown
Release Date: Unknown
Unit: 11th Pennsylvania Regiment, Company K
William Wiland was born between 1843 and 1844 in Pennsylvania. When the Civil War began, he joined the army being placed in the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment.
After the eleventh regiment was formed, it was sent to Camp Curtin. The regiment experienced its first combat experience at Falling Waters, Virginia on July 2, 1861. This battle ended with a victory against the Confederates under the command of Colonel Stonewall Jackson. Later, on June 26, 1862, the regiment participated in the Battle of Mechanicsville. Unfortunately, it could not secure victory and a majority of the soldiers became prisoners of war. This regiment remained war prisoners until August 5, 1862, until a ransom was paid for the soldiers’ release.
Following the ransom, the regiment received replacement troops for those who could not continue fighting. The regiment was then sent to offer help at the Second Battle of Bull Run on August 29, 1862. The regiment then partook in the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862, in which it lost seven members. The regiment then participated in the Battle of Fredericksburg from December 11 to 15, 1862. The regiment suffered heavily with there being 112 soldiers either killed, wounded, or missing. Later on, the eleventh played a role in the Battle of Gettysburg, arriving on July 2, 1863. During this battle, 83 members of the regiment were wounded with three members being killed. This was the last large battle that the regiment took part in with the regiment being mustered out the following year.
Additional research may reveal information regarding William Wiland’s life following the war. Records do show him receiving a pension for his service in 1890. He is buried in section A. Interestingly, see photo above, there are two markers at his gravesite. Additional research is needed to determine if these are both to mark his grave or if there is another veteran buried next to him.
(Compiled by Raymond Aguiar)
