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Joel Wilson, son of William and Mary Ann Wilson, was born in Bern, October 24, 1842. He was a dutiful son, a kind brother, and a youth of excellent moral character. He desired, at the commencement of the war, to enlist in the army, but, like many others whom we have already sketched, was prevented by the entreaties of his friends. At last they yielded to his earnest patriotism, and, October 7, 1862, he joined Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh New York Regiment. An incident occurred, after he joined the army, that made a deep impression upon his mind. One of his associates, with whom he had been intimate from childhood and who enlisted with him, lost both of his eyes by an accident. Joel was deeply moved with sympathy for his friend, and did all in his power to alleviate his sufferings. He manifested towards him the kindness of a tender and affectionate brother, and he became himself more serious, and loved to attend religious meetings. We hope that at that time, he gave his heart to Jesus, and made his peace with God. But of this we cannot speak positively.
Joel was ordered, with his regiment, to Bonnet Carre, Louisiana, and remained there until the 7th of May, 1863, when they started for Port Hudson. He was left at Baton Rouge, sick, and remained there until the 21st of July. He partially recovered and joined the regiment again at Port Hudson. At that time he wrote a letter to his friends, in which he expressed the fond hope of soon meeting again the loved ones at home. But, on the 8th day of August, he went into the hospital with chills and fever, and worn down with exposures and privations.
Soon, however, his regiment received orders to return home, and went on board a transport. But the order was countermanded, and, as Joel stepped from the boat, he said, with a sad heart, "I shall never see home again." And so it proved. He was able to walk about, but, on the morning of the 18th of August, just after he had taken his breakfast, he fell and instantly expired.
His remains were interred, near the hospital, on the 19th of August. They were, however, subsequently taken up and carried home, and, on the 29th of December, were deposited in a burial place near his father's house, where he was born.
