He was born on February 18, 1837 to John E. and Catherine (Rogers) Etherton in Missouri. He was married to Lucinda Coontz about 1859. He was a carpenter and farmer.(For more data on William's family refer to his wife's memorial. (lt)

MILITARY SERVICE

Missouri state service record cards confirm William T. Etherton's Civil War service in two Missouri Union militia organizations.

Enrolled Missouri Militia (E.M.M.) was formed in 1862, when all Missouri men aged 18 to 45, and not already serving in the military, were required to enroll for intermittent, local service against rebel guerrillas. E.M.M. personnel could be called to active duty for up to 30 days at a time. They were not issued uniforms or weapons. Wm. T. Etherton served as private in Company E, 57th Regiment, E.M.M. The 57th Regiment was enrolled and organized in August 1862 in Harrison County, Missouri, and was in active service from 30 August 1862 to 30 April 1863.

Provisional Enrolled Missouri Militia (P.E.M.M.) was formed in 1863 from select E.M.M. personnel. P.E.M.M. personnel were full-time soldiers, and were issued uniforms and weapons. William Etherton served also as a private in Company F, 3rd Regiment, P.E.M.M. This 3ed regiment was enrolled, organized and called into active service on 20 May 1863 in Bethany, Harrison County, and relived from duty on 12 September 1863. (Private William Etherton was absent sick on 12 September.)

Service in E.M.M. did not generally qualify for a federal military pension. An 1890 pension act authorized federal military pensions to P.E.M.M. personnel who had at least 90 days on active duty, and honorably discharged.

Part of William T. Etherton's 1890 U.S. Veterans' Schedule entry is indistinct, but he was: a private in a Missouri volunteer Company E; enlisted in May 1862; discharged in December 1865; and had served for 3 years. No disability was indicated. (1890 U.S. Veterans Schedule, E.D. 217, Platte Precinct, Dodge Co., Nebraska; line 1, Jun 1890.)

Federal pension cards also show William T. Etherton's service in "Co.E, 57 Reg't En.Mo.Mil." and "F.3.Prov.En.Mo.Mil.Inf." He applied for a pension as an invalid on 9 June 1890, and on 6 Mar 1907 (having attained age 70).
Submitted by blueheron14 Contributor #46883128---(lt)