William Joseph Hicks was born February 7, 1847 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. He died August 1, 1928 in Culpeper County, Virginia. He Married Elizabeth Dunaway on March 21, 1867 in Orange County, Virginia.

He enlisted in the army March 1, 1864 in Louisa County, Virginia for the duration of the war. He served as a Private in Captain R. T. Elliott's Company, Crenshaw Battery, Virginia Lightly Artillery. His unit saw service in Chaffin's Bluff, Lindsay's Depot, Bowling Green and Peterburg, Virginia.

Captain Elliott signed for a daily allowance or forage for 20 forage for 20 horses on December 31, 1864.

While stationed at Peterburg, Virginia, the company muster roll shows Private Hicks was present for duty March, April, May, June and November, december 1864.

His name appears on receipt rolls for clothing July 22, 26, August 29, and October 31, 1864.

Privat Hicks was wounded February 7, 1865 at the battle of Hatcher's Run as the Federal Army was encircling Petersb urg. He was admitted to Chimborazo Hospital February 10, 1865, and furloughed from there March 7, 1865 for 60 days. The war ended before his furlough was up.

William J. Hicks lived near Mine Run, Orange County, Virginia. He was disabled by a wound in his left buttock and groin while in discharge of duty while in Confederate service. (left Leg disabled) He was entitled to receiv e $15.00 annually.

William J. Hicks was 55 years old at the time of his application on 14 June 1902. He was born in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. He resided in the state of Virginia all of his life and in his present location for twenty years.

William J. Hicks left the service on 6 February 1865 when disabled by a gun shot wound. He enlisted before he was sixteen years old and served for more than two years.

A second application for a pension was filed in 1908 when his assets insreased to $750.00. He stopped receiving his pension in 1907 because his assets were more than $500.00.

William Joseph Hicks grave is located in the local Hicks family section at Hopewell United Methodist Church at 23557 Germanna Highway, Lignum, Virginia.