Nesbit, William W.

William W. Nesbit was born in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania around 1843 and later served in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment in the Civil War. Before joining Company D of the 54th Massachusetts in March 1863, Nesbit worked as a barber. Nesbit’s regiment was sent to South Carolina, where it participated in the attempt to capture Fort Wagner on July 18, 1863. By early 1864 the War Department had transferred the 54th Massachusetts to Florida. On February 20 Nesbit was among the forty-eight soldiers from his regiment who were wounded at the Battle of Olustee. After recuperating in a hospital in Beaufort, South Carolina for several months, Nesbit returned to his company. He was promoted to corporal the following year. Nesbit's military service ended on August 20, 1865 while stationed in Charleston, South Carolina. (By Don Sailer)