Born months before his father Richard Soden joining the 33d N.J. Infantry Regiment, as a boy he saw tough times. Upon his father returning home from the Civil War, he witnessed his deteriorating health and death at the morning breakfast table. Life went from bad to worse. He took on odd jobs to support his family; then at the age of 17 with his mothers blessing, he joined the U.S. Navy on Sept. 1880, as an Ordinary Seaman. William served onboard the USS Minnesota from Sept. 1880 - Dec. 1880. He was transferred to the USS Portsmouth to June 24, 1881 then to the USS Constitution to Nov. 24, 1881. From the Constitution he saw service on the USS New Hampshire, USS Tennessee. After an injury onboard the "Tennessee" he was transferred to the Norfolk Naval Hospital. Once released he was transferred to the USS Franklin until his discharge, April 26, 1884, on account of experation of service. He soon found work as a teamster; then on Dec. 14, 1884 he married his sweet heart, Minnie (Mary) Sturn. They were blessed with 10 children, but unfortuately 5 would later died. Surviving were Wallace, Mary, Richard, Alice and George. With the death of his wife on July 31, 1924 his life was changed once again. His own health began to fail him; a tough life, old Navy wounds and prostrate cancer. Then on Oct. 13, 1932 in the Soldiers Home in Vineland, N.J., he joined his wife in heaven.
OBITUARY - "Newark News" - October 15, 1932: SODEN ~ On Thursday, October 14, 1932, at Vineland, N.J.. William R, Soden, beloved husband of the late Minnie Soden (nee Sturn), aged 69 years. relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the funeral services on Monday, October 17 at 2 P.M., at the Joseoh J. Manger and Son Home fo rFunerals, 600 South 10th Street, at Springfield Ave,. Newark, N.J., internment in Fairmount Cemetery.