He was born in 1841/42 (4 (19 in 1861)). He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (4).
When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 4-1/2 inches tall, and had a light complexion, blue eyes, and light hair (4).
He enlisted and was mustered into service on 17 September 1861 (1, 4). He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Captain Smith (4). He was a private, in company A (1, 7-9).
He was killed on 3 May 1863 at Chancellorsville, Virginia (1, 3, 4, 5, 6 [missing]). He was a corporal, in company A (1, 2, 3, 7-9). He was reported missing in action on 7 May 1863 (2).
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster) (Samuel W Wilson)
2 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 7 May 1863 (Corpl Wilson)
3 company A register of deaths (Samuel W Wilson)
4 company A descriptive roll, entry 62 (Samuel W Willson)
5 'The ninety-first Pennsylvania volunteers', Philadelphia Press, Wednesday 13 May 1863, page 2 (Sam'l Wilson)
6 'The Ninety-first Pennsylvania at Chancellorville', Philadelphia Inquirer 13 May 1863, page 8 (Samuel Wilson)
7 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (Samuel W Wilson)
8 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (Samuel W Willson)
9 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (Samuel H Wilson)