William Atherton

author

William Atherton

1793–1863

Best known for a firsthand War of 1812 narrative, this Kentucky rifleman left a vivid account of defeat, capture, and survival on the early American frontier.

1 Audiobook

Narrative of the Suffering & Defeat of the North-Western Army, Under General Winchester Massacre of the Prisoners; Sixteen Months Imprisonment of the Writer and Others with the Indians and British

Narrative of the Suffering & Defeat of the North-Western Army, Under General Winchester Massacre of the Prisoners; Sixteen Months Imprisonment of the Writer and Others with the Indians and British

by William Atherton

About the author

Born on January 10, 1793, William Atherton was an American soldier and rifleman from Shelbyville, Kentucky. He served as a private in the 1st Rifle Regiment under William Henry Harrison during the War of 1812.

Atherton is remembered today because he wrote a journal-like account of his military service, including the defeat of American forces at Frenchtown and his imprisonment afterward. That firsthand perspective gives his work a plain, immediate quality that makes it especially valuable to readers interested in early American history.

He died on September 11, 1863. No suitable verified portrait image was found from the sources checked, so a profile image is not included here.