He was born in New York, New York (5). He was 17 years old when he was enlisted (5).
He was a farmer when he was enlisted (5).
He was 5 feet 5 inches tall, and had a light complexion, blue eyes, and light hair (5).
He was enlisted and mustered into service 16 November 1861 (1, 5, 7). He was enlisted by Lieutenant [?] Black, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (5). He was mustered in as a private in company H (1). He had rifle number 81 (5).
He fought at the Battle of Gettysburg (6).
On 8 August 1863, he was reported gained from missing in action (2).
He was discharged at US General Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 20 November 1863 on surgeon's certificate of disability, because of wounds (1, 3 [22 [?] Nov], 4, 5, 7). On 20 December 1863, the regiment reported that he had died of wounds received in battle (3).
On 7 December 1863, he applied successfully for a pension (7).
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 H Roberts)
2 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 8 August 1863 (Wm H Roberts)
3 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 20 December 1863 (Private Robert)
4 company H, register of men discharged, #40 (William H Roberts)
5 company H, descriptive roll, #66 (William Roberts)
6 Pennsylvania Memorial, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (W H Roberts)
7 pension index, by regiment, 91st PA Infantry, company H (William H Roberts)