William J. Coulter was from Drury, Rock Island County, Illinois and served in Company I of the 126th Illinois Volunteer Infantry.

He enlisted at Rock Island, Illinois on Sept. 12, 1862. He was discharged on July 12, 1865. He answered the call of his country and served her with pride and honor.

William was born about 1841 in Gallia, Ohio, the son of William G. and Diantha Rebecca Wallace Coulter. He came to Rock Island County, Drury Township in 1853, with his father, stepmother, brother and sister. He married Jane Ann Beeney Wray May 10, 1868 and Jane had 9 children. He died on Sept. 14, 1894 at Wrayville, Illinois of heart disease at the age of 56 years. He left a wife and six children to grieve the loss of a husband and father.