William Atherton (soldier)
William Atherton | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 10, 1793 |
| Died | September 11, 1863 (aged 70) |
| Buried | Greencastle City Cemetery, Greencastle, Indiana, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | 1st Regiment of Riflemen |
| Battles / wars | War of 1812 • Battle of River Raisin |
| Spouse(s) | Mary "Polly" Lyons |
William Atherton (January 10, 1793 – September 11, 1863) was an American soldier, rifleman and veteran of the War of 1812 from Shelbyville, Kentucky. He was a private in Captain John Simpson's company of the 1st Rifle Regiment. He served under William Henry Harrison. Atherton wrote a journal that detailed his war service within the Kentucky militia, including their defeat and subsequent massacre at River Raisin by opposing forces, and his subsequent capture and imprisonment.