Wilson, Joseph

Joseph Wilson

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Significance:

Company F, 11th Michigan Infantry

Date of Birth:

1816

Place of Death:

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Date of Death:

December 31, 1862

Place of Burial:

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Cemetery Name:

Stones River National Cemetery

Joseph Wilson was born around 1816 in Wright, Michigan. He remained living in Wright, MI during his adult life, and later enlisted with the Union Army. He enlisted on September 11, 1861, at the age of 45. Upon enlistment, Wilson was a 1st Lieutenant. Lieutenant Wilson mustered into Company F of the 11th Michigan later that day.

After its organization, the 11th Michigan Infantry was assigned to guard duty along the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. They remained until July 1862. In late August, they made their way to Nashville, Tennessee where they remained until December 1862. In August of 1862, Wilson had a rank change to Captain.

On December 26, 1862, the 11th Michigan received orders to march south towards Murfreesboro, TN in pursuit of Bragg. It took them four days to arrive in Murfreesboro and upon arrival, they set up camp and waited for the looming battle to begin.

Early on December 31st, the Confederate forces in the area began their attack. They targeted the Union's right flank. The 11th Michigan sat toward the middle of the Union's line along the Wilkinson Pike. They remained in this position until Confederate troops had managed to drive the Union right flank back. By 10:00am, Union troops, including the 11th MI, were pushed into a V-shaped position. The 11th MI was front and center in this position as Confederate forces were closing in on both sides. The 11th Michigan was forced into a retreat from the area to reform later in the day. However, it was during this phase of fighting on December 31, 1862, that Captain Wilson lost his life serving his country.

Wilson was first interred in Lavergne, Tennessee, but was later reinterred at the Stones River National Cemetery in plot G-2787.