William Bedford was born in Maryland, the son of Sylvester and Agnes (Williams) Bedford. Though records indicate he was likely living in Frederick County in 1860, his exact location in that year’s census is uncertain. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall with black hair, black eyes, and a black complexion, Bedford would later find himself drafted into the Union Army as the Civil War reached its climax.

Service in the U.S. Colored Troops

Contrary to errors inscribed on his tombstone and reported in his obituary, William Bedford did not serve in the 32nd Pennsylvania Infantry or the 30th U.S. Regulars—both white regiments. Instead, he was federally drafted from Frederick County, Maryland, on May 25, 1864, and officially mustered into service at Baltimore on June 14, 1864, as a private in Company A of the 30th United States Colored Troops (USCT).

The 30th USCT was one of many regiments raised as part of the United States Colored Troops, which was established following the Emancipation Proclamation to allow Black men to serve in the Union Army. Though the 30th USCT was formed in Maryland, it was part of a broader effort that saw thousands of African American soldiers fighting for their freedom and the Union cause. These regiments often faced racial discrimination, lower pay (at least until 1864, when they finally received equal wages), and were frequently given some of the most dangerous assignments. Despite this, Black soldiers fought with distinction and played a vital role in the Union war effort.

The Battle of the Crater

One of the most infamous battles in which the 30th USCT participated was the Battle of the Crater, fought on July 30, 1864, outside Petersburg, Virginia. This engagement was part of the larger Petersburg Campaign, a months-long siege aimed at cutting off Confederate supply lines and forcing the fall of Richmond. The battle began with an ambitious Union plan to break through Confederate defenses by detonating a massive mine underneath their fortifications. The explosion created a massive crater in the enemy’s lines, but poor planning and leadership turned what could have been a decisive victory into a disaster.

Initially, white Union troops hesitated at the crater’s edge, unsure whether to advance or hold back. Eventually, U.S. Colored Troops, including men from the 30th USCT, were sent forward into the chaos. Instead of finding a clear breakthrough, they encountered a deep pit filled with wounded and disoriented soldiers. The Confederates, realizing the Union forces were trapped, counterattacked with devastating fire, turning the crater into a deathtrap.

It was in this brutal battle that William Bedford suffered a contusion to his right hip, likely from flying debris. His hospital records at Summitt House U.S. Hospital in Philadelphia indicate that his injury was caused by a “log,” which suggests he may have been struck by debris from a shattered tree or breastwork—common hazards in the battle’s intense artillery barrage.

The Battle of the Crater ended in a decisive Confederate victory, and the USCT soldiers suffered particularly heavy casualties. Many of the Black troops who were captured were executed on the spot by Confederate forces who refused to recognize them as legitimate soldiers. Bedford, however, survived his injury and returned to duty on September 14, 1864.

Post-War Life and Legacy

William H. Bedford continued serving until December 10, 1865, when he was honorably discharged at Roanoke Island, North Carolina. His service records note a debt of $33.00 owed to the regimental sutler—an unusually large amount, possibly reflecting expenses for personal supplies or withheld pay. Additionally, he was charged 34 cents for a lost or damaged gun sling, a minor but documented deduction from his final military pay.

Little is known about Bedford’s later years, but he ultimately passed away from organic heart disease at the Adams County almshouse. Despite his service, he does not appear with certainty in any Adams County census records. His tombstone, while honoring his military service, contains inaccurate details about his regiment, reflecting the frequent confusion surrounding African American soldiers’ service records after the war.

Conclusion

William H. Bedford’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and service in a war that ultimately secured freedom for millions of African Americans. His participation in the Battle of the Crater places him among the thousands of Black soldiers who fought courageously under extreme adversity. Though his grave bears an incorrect inscription, his true legacy lies in his contributions as a member of the United States Colored Troops—men who fought not only for the Union, but for the promise of liberty and equality.