He was 31 years old when he was enlisted (5). He was born in Tyrone, Ireland (5).
He was a farmer (5).
He was 5 feet 9 inches tall, and had a light complexion, light eyes, and light hair (5).
He was enlisted and mustered into service on 1, 2, or 12 October 1861 (1, 5, 6 [12 Oct], 9 [2 Oct]). He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Captain Sinex (5). Initially, he served as a private in company H (1).
He was transferred to company D on 4 December 1861 (1, 6).
He deserted at Alexandria, Virginia (3, 4, 5).
On 3 November 1863, he was reported regained from desertion and under arrest (2).
He was wounded on 10 May 1864, at Spottsylvania Court House, Virginia (1, 8).
He was absent, in hospital, at muster out (1).
On 22 March 1883, he unsuccessfully applied from Pennsylvania for a pension (7, 9).
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)
2 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 3 November 1863 (Priv Adams)
3 company D, register of deserters (William Adams)
4 company D, register of deserters (William Adams [second entry])
5 company D, second descriptive roll, entry 12 (William Adams)
6 company H, register of men transferred (William Adams)
7 pension index, by name (William Adams)
8 'The Ninety-first Pennsylvania volunteers', Philadelphia Inquirer 8 June 1864 page 3 (Wm Adams)
9 pension index, by regiment, 91st PA Infantry, company D (William Adams)