He was 19 years old when he was enlisted (7). He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (7).
He was a cigar [maker] (7).
He was 5 feet 8 inches tall, and had a fair complexion, hazel eyes, and brown hair (7). He had a scar on his underlip (7).
He was enlisted and mustered into service on 20 August 1861 (1, 7, 8, 9, 11). He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Colonel Reiff (7, 8 [Lt Col]). He served in company C (1).
On 7 May 1863, he may have been reported missing in action (3 [see my note below; this may not be the right Simpson]). If so, he had been captured, and was reported in Camp Parole, Maryland, on 21 May 1863 (3).
On 9 June 1863, he or Samuel Simpson was detailed for duty at Division Headquarters (4).
He was promoted to corporal (probably after March 1864) (3).
He mustered out near Petersburg, Virginia, on 20 September 1864, when his term expired (1, 3 [transferred to Veterans' reserve corps], 6, 7, 8, 9 [20 Aug], 11). He was then a corporal (1).
According to the pension index cards, he also served in company G, 9th Veterans' Reserve Corps, and in 122nd company, 2nd battalion, Veterans' Reserve Corp (10, 11).
On 16 June 1865, he applied successfully for a pension (10, 11).
In 1890, he was living at 510 Spruce Street, Camden, Camden County, New Jersey (9). He had a gunshot wound to his right arm, but was able to work and was not seriously disabled (9).
On 26 March 1907, he again applied for a pension (11).
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 Simpson)
2 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 7 May 1863
(Corpl Simpson)
[This may be Samuel Simpson.
According to Bates, Samuel Simpson was wounded at Chancellorsville, but was a private when he mustered out; the only Corporal Simpson (C) Bates lists is William H Simpson.]
3 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 21 May 1863 (Corpl Simpson; see my note on #2 above)
4 consolidated morning report 91st PA, 9 June 1863 (Pri [?] Simpson)
5 company C, List of non-commissioned officers, page 2, corporals (Wm H Simpson)
6 company C, register of men discharged, number 29 (Wm H Simpson)
7 company C, descriptive roll, entry 65 (William H Simpson)
8 company C, untitled list, probably of status at muster out, entry 13 (Wm H Simpson)
9 1890 US census, veterans' schedule, New Jersey, Camden County, Camden, supervisor's district 3, enumeration district 174, page 1 (William H Simpson)
10 pension index, by name (William H Simpson)
11 pension index, by regiment, 91st PA Infantry, company C (William H Simpson)