WILLIAM B. WESTCOTT.
First Lieut. William B. Westcott, son of Harley and Laura Westcott, was born in Pawtuxet, R. I., March 16, 1841. He received his education in the public schools of his native village. In 1857 he went to Providence and was employed as a clerk in the grocery store of Thomas Merewether, and was thus engaged when the War of the Rebellion began.
On Dec. 2, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Battery G, First Rhode Island Light Artillery. He was promoted to sergeant Dec. 15, 1861, and quartermaster sergeant, June 9, 1862. On the 26th of April, 1864, he was promoted to second lieutenant of Battery H, and was mustered in May 1, 1864. He was promoted to first lieutenant March 2, 1865, and transferred to Battery B. He was mustered out with his battery June 12, 1865, and returned with it to Rhode Island.
Oct. 14, 1865, he entered the wholesale drug store of Oliver Johnson & Co., as a clerk, and has remained in the service of that company ever since. He is at the present time (1894) head clerk in that establishment.
Comrade Westcott joined Prescott Post, No. 1, G. A. R., of Providence, about December, 1867. He served as officer of the day for two years. He was department inspector in 1870–71, and assistant quartermaster-general of the department in 1874.
Comrade Westcott is a member of Hope Lodge, No. 4, I. O. O. F., and is also connected with Providence Council, No. 566, American Legion of Honor, having held the office of Commander in that order.
Lieut. George Lewis.
His brother, Gilbert O. Westcott, also served honorably for three years in Battery G, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, and is a member of Prescott Post, No. 1, G. A. R. Another brother, George H. Westcott, served as a corporal in Company D, First Rhode Island Detached Militia. He died in 1875.