Regiments: Co. I, 45th Virginia Inf.
(Known as "Reed Island Rifles")  

Notes: Enlisted May 29, 1861 at age 41 in Wytheville, Virginia.  His cousin, Thomas D. Bolt was Captain.  Thomas died of measles and William was elected Captain on August 27, 1861.  He then fell ill and was transferred to the reserves in November 1861.  In October 1864, Union troops invaded southwest Virginia, and the reserves were called up to protect the salt works at Saltville, Virginia.  The salt works were saved by routing the 5000 Union troops, but in the course of the battle, William was shot and died on the battlefield.