(NOTE: William P. J. Sill probably never had his portrait taken prior to the Civil War. However, during the 10 month period that the 86th Illinois was in the Nashville, Tennessee area in 1862-63, William, like most of the Union soldiers in the Nashville area, probably took the time to sit for a portrait to send home to the loved ones that he left behind. These portraits were printed in the form of what was called a "Dagerreotype" or "tin type" or more often in a new fangled process called a "CDV", which was a paper picture glued to a heavier card stock about the size of a modern day baseball card, and the soldiers didn't just have one or two copies made. Most of the time, they had a dozen or more made, so they could swap pictures with their tentmates, messmates and for their friends, in the 86th and back home.
William P. J. Sill then survived the war and lived well into the 20th century. During his life, William probably had his picture taken dozens of times. I would dearly love to see a copy of that CDV added to his Find A Grave site for all with an interest to see, but in the mean time, I would just be thrilled to see some pictures of him added to his Find A Grave Memorial, even ones of him as an old man. Can anyone help me? Thanks, Baxter)

WILLIAM P. JACKSON SILL, Co. I, 86th Illinois

William Perry Jackson Sill was born on __________ __, 18__ (c. 1835/36) in Clarmont County, Ohio, the son of William Sill and Catherine "Caty" (Martin) Sill. The Sill family was apparently residing in Claremont County, Ohio in the early to mid 1830's when William Perry Jackson Sill was born, but within a year or so moved west, where they settled in Peoria County, Illinois. It was there that Issac Marion Sill, the youngest brother of Jackson's was born. Isaac Marion Sill was also to become a member of Co. I of the 86th Illinois.
At the time of the 1850 census the Sill family is found in Peoria County;

Sill William 60 M Farming 500 Pa
Sill Cathy 48 F Pa
Sill Jackson 14 M Ohio
Sill Isaac 12 M Ill

ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name SILL, WILLIAM P J
Rank PVT Company I Unit 86 IL US INF

Personal Characteristics
Residence PEORIA, PEORIA CO, IL Age 26 Height 5' 8 1/4 Hair BROWN
Eyes GRAY Complexion DARK Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity CLAREMONT CO, OH

Service Record
Joined When AUG 22, 1862 Joined Where PEORIA, IL
Joined By Whom A L FAHNESTOCK Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
Remarks N/A

At the time of the 1870 census, W. P. J. Sill is found in Limestone Township of Peoria County, Illinois.

At the time of the 1880 census, William P. J. Sill is found in Shoal Creek, Newton County, Missouri, where he is working as a Coal Miner;
William P. J. SILL, Self Gender: Male Birth: OH
Matilda J. SILL, Wife Gender: Female Birth: IL
Melissa J. SILL, Dau Gender: Female Birth: IL
Mary E. SILL, Dau Gender: Female Birth: IL

At the time of the 1890 Kansas state census, W. P. J. Sill is found in Lyon County, Kansas.

Member of G.A.R. Post 201 in Kansas.