William Kinsman was born in Nova Scotia and immigrated to Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was 28 years old when he was appointed lieutenant colonel of the 23rd Iowa Infantry on August 21, 1862; he was mustered in on September 19, 1862. He was promoted to colonel on December 1, 1862.

He commanded the 23rd Iowa Infantry during the early stages of the Vicksburg campaign, and was mortally wounded on May 17, 1863, at Black River Bridge, Mississippi; he died of his wounds the following day in the regiment’s camp near Vicksburg.

The 23rd Iowa Infantry was organized on September 19, 1862, at Des Moines, Iowa, and fought in the various battles of the Vicksburg campaign, including Port Gibson, Champion Hill, and the siege of Vicksburg. The 23rd was mustered out of service on July 26, 1865.

Carte-deVisite by A. J. Fox, St. Louis, Mo.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 31875