Arthurs, William T

William T Arthurs

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Significance:

Company C, 36th Illinois Infantry

Place of Birth:

Warren County, Illinois

Date of Birth:

1837

Place of Death:

Murfreesboro, TN

Date of Death:

December 31st, 1865

Place of Burial:

Murfreesboro, TN

Cemetery Name:

Stones River National Cemetery

William T Arthurs was born in 1837 in Warren County, Illinois. As an adult, he lived in Sumner, Illinois and worked as a farmer. He enlisted into the Union army on August 4th, 1861, as a private in Company C of the 36th Illinois Infantry regiment. His enlistment records describe him as being 5' 10" and having a light complexion with blue eyes and light hair.

At the battle of Stones River, the 36th Illinois was led by Brigadier General Sill, Division General Sheridan and Corps Commander McCook. On the first day of battle, the 36th Illinois were situated in a field to the east of Gresham Lane. When Confederate forces made contact in that area, they began to drive the Union back towards Wilkinson Pike. During this fighting, General Sill was mortally wounded and General Greusel was put in charge. The men fought valiently, but their loss of life wasr high. Private Arthurs lost his life in the action of the first day of fighting on December 31st, 1862.

William T Arthurs is laid to rest in the Stones River National Cemetery in plot L-4762.