As the nation moves closer to its 250th anniversary and celebrates the lives of the brave men and women who served to ensure freedom at great cost, we look back at the heroes of Franklin and Washington counties throughout history.
William Othello Wilson, hero of Hagerstown
William Othello Wilson became a western legend due to his heroics during the United States war against the Native Americans. His dedication and fearlessness earned the military’s highest honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Early life and enlistment
Wilson was born on Sept. 16, 1867, or 1869, the exact year has been debated. Not much is known about Wilson’s family or early life due to a fire in Washington County that destroyed his birth documents in 1871. What is known is that he was born in Hagerstown. When he was in his early 20s, he moved to Minnesota, where on Aug. 21, 1889, he enlisted in the military.
The American Frontier Wars
After enlisting, Wilson joined the 9th Cavalry Regiment, which was one of four African American regiments formed after the Civil War. They would become known as the “Buffalo Soldiers.” Wilson, along with his regiment, was involved in the American Frontier War (1609-1890) fighting against the Sioux. Following the Battle of Wounded Knee in December 1890, Wilson’s regiment and a wagon train were surrounded by 50 Sioux warriors. Wilson volunteered to break through enemy lines and take a dispatch to the Pine Ridge Reservation. It was a two-mile trek across open country swarming with enemy fighters. He was chased the entire way but managed to reach the reservation to get help. His heroic deed saved the wagon train and his fellow soldiers.
Honored for his deed
On Dec. 30, 1891, after the war had ended, Wilson received the Congressional Medal of Honor. Wilson remained in the military until 1893, after which he returned home to Hagerstown and married Margaret Jackson (1872-1922) and the couple had six children. He found work as a carpenter and calligrapher. He was also well known for his cooking skills.
Wilson died on Jan. 18, 1928, from natural causes. He is laid to rest at Rose Hill Cemetery in Hagerstown. In 1988, a memorial marker was placed in a traffic triangle located where Jonathan Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, Charles Street and Forest Drive meet. Wilson is also the only Medal of Honor recipient from Washington County.
This is Part 4 of a five-part series honoring the heroes of Franklin and Washington counties.
