William H. Lee was born in Ohio to Edward and Sarah Lee.
July 23: The U.S. Federal Census enumerated in New Market, Highland County, OH showed 10-year-old William living with his parents and siblings. His father is a farmer.
June 4: The U.S. Federal Census enumerated in New Market, Highland County, OH showed 20-year-old William living with his widowed mother and his siblings.
July 8: William enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant.
August 26: William mustered into Company E of the 50th OH.
August 22: His brother James P. Lee died while sick at home in Hillsboro, OH. James was a soldier in the 168th OH.
November 30: William was captured in the Battle of Franklin. His regiment was on the South side of the Carter garden.
April 26: William died in the steamer "Sultana" explosion.