Major William Marland enlisted in the United States Army at Andover, Massachusetts, on April 16, 1861. At the time of his Medal of Honor action, he was a First Lieutenant in the Second Independent Battery, Massachusetts Light Artillery.
He married Salome Jane Abbot, also of Andover, Massachusetts. They had four children: Abby Billings Marland, George Abbot Marland, Helen Marland, and Mary King Marland.
In the 1870 and 1880 Federal Censuses, he is listed as the postmaster in Andover. In the 1900 Federal Census, he is listed with his wife and children and with an occupation of Boarding House keeper. At the time he was 61 years old.
The family moved from Andover, Massachusetts, to Griffin, Georgia, in 1902. He died in 1905 in Griffin.
Lieutenant Marland did not receive his Medal of Honor on February 16, 1897. The battle was fought at Grand Coteau, Louisiana.
His Medal of Honor event was a counterattack at the Battle of Bayou Bourbeaux on November 3, 1863. This battle pitted Union Brigadier General Stephen G. Burbridge against Confederate Brigadier General Thomas Green.
His official citation reads:
After having been surrounded by the enemy’s cavalry, his support having surrendered, he ordered a charge and saved the section of the battery that was under his command.
After enlisting, he fought as a sergenat in the Second Independent Battery, Massachusetts Light Artillery.
He was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant on October 22, 1862. Then to First Lieutenant, and finally to Major on August 11, 1865.
He was mustered out of the Army on August 11, 1865.
Shown here is the medal Major Marland earned during his career.
Medal of Honor
Major Marland and his wife are buried in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Griffin, Georgia. He died on April 17, 1905. Salome Jane died on August 18, 1920.
