William H. Dorsey, a well-known dealer in stock, etc., of Moundsville, was born in Marshall county, October 20, 1843. His father, Thomas Dorsey, the son of Basil, a soldier of the war of 1812, was born in Maryland in 1812, came to Marshall county at twenty years of age and married Rebecca Dorsey. He owned valuable farms and was a leading citizen. He died in 1868, aged fifty-six years, and his wife survives at the age of seventy. Of their eleven children eight are living. William H. enlisted in July, 1862, in Company A, Twelfth West Virginia infantry, and served until after the surrender of Lee, which he witnessed. He participated in the battles of Winchester, New Market, Perryville, Hatcher's Run, Fort Fisher and in the principal battles of the army of the Potomac subsequently. He was discharged at Wheeling June 16, 1865, and then farmed here until 1867, when he went to Peoria, Ill., where he remained one summer, and since then has resided in Marshall county. He was married June 2, 1868, to Agnes D., daughter of Franklin Campbell, and he then farmed until 1869, when he bought land in Moundsville, where he has since lived. He has been engaged in various lines of business, merchandise, and the like, served two terms as deputy sheriff in Marshall county, and has made good success. In 1883 he made a trip to the far west, visiting Pike's Peak and other points of interest. In politics he is a republican, and he is a member of the Knights of Honor. By his marriage he has four children: Delilah V., wife of Wilbur Kimble; George, Buena Vista and Malcolm, and he and wife and younger children enjoy a comfortable and handsome home at Moundsville.