William Wilson (Zouave)

William Wilson (1823 – November 13, 1874) was a native of England who was an American Union brevet brigadier general during the period of the American Civil War. He had been a prize fighter and was associated with New York City Democratic political machine. In 1856, he was elected with the Democratic Party as an alderman. On April 19, 1861, he was appointed colonel of the 6th New York Infantry, known as Billy Wilson's Zouaves. He served in Florida and Louisiana. In 1864, he was placed in command of the 69th Regiment by Governor Seymour. He received his appointment as brevet brigadier general dated to March 13, 1865.