According to the pension index by regiment, he enlisted under the alias 'William Griffith' (5, 6). (Perhaps this was in the 189th New York.)
He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (4). He was 23 years old when he was enlisted (4).
He was a labo[rer] when he was enlisted (4).
He was 5 feet 6 inches tall, and had a light complexion, hazel eyes, and light hair (4).
He also served in company H of the 189th New York Infantry (5, 6 [189th Ohio]).
He was enlisted and mustered into service on 28 October 1861 (1, 4). He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Captain Casner (4). He was mustered in as a private in company K, by Captain Keyser (1, 4).
He deserted on 13 May 1863 from Hospital Point Lookout [?], Maryland (1, 2, 3 [from hospital at Philadelphia PA]).
On 27 May 1891, he applied unsuccessfully from New York for a pension (5, 6).
He died on 2 January 1910 (5).
On 14 January 1911, his widow, Elizabeth Griffin, applied unsuccessfully from New York for a pension (5, 6).
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) (William Griffin)
2 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 22 May 1863 (Wm Griffin)
3 company K, register of deserters, entry 24 (William Griffin)
4 company K, descriptive roll (William Griffin)
5 pension index, by regiment, 91st PA Infantry, company K (William Griffin)
6 pension index, by name (William Griffin alias William Griffith)