Name: King, William H., PVT, USA
Local address: uncertain – probably in the vicinity of what is now Atlantic Avenue, where the majority of Matawan’s African Americans resided at that time.
William, born 1844 in New Jersey, was the only child of Henry King (1827-1910) and his wife Elizabeth (1834-1869). He enlisted with the 25th Colored Infantry Regiment on January 19, 1864 in Matawan, and was described as 20 years of age, 5’ 5” tall, light complexion, employed as a laborer.
The 25th was organized at Camp William Penn in Pennsylvania on January 3, 1864 for three years’ service, commanded by Colonel Gustavus A. Scroggs (1820-1887). King was one of eight men from Matawan that enlisted in this unit.
On March 15, 1864, the regiment boarded the steamer Suwanee for New Orleans. The ship took on water and put into harbor in Beaufort, NC, and contributed to that ports garrison until repairs were made, continuing to New Orleans where it arrived May 1st. The 25th was subsequently transferred to Fort Barrancas, one of two forts in Union hands that controlled Pensacola Bay. It was there that the 25th served the war effort.
The Union Navy had earlier forced the surrender of the city of Pensacola, but Confederate troops controlled the surrounding countryside. Union forces would emerge from their fortified garrisons on raids or campaigns to address this threat. While I’m sure there 
were numerous patrols and minor raids conducted by elements of the 25th outside of Fort Barrancas, only one major engagement involving them was documented.
Muster roll records indicated William was one of two musicians in the company, most likely a drummer.
On July 7, 1864, records indicated he died of “dropsy” (edema) and is buried at the Fort Barrancas National Cemetery. His father received his death benefits.
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