William spent many of his 98 years in the service of his fellow citizens in both the Territory and then the State of Nebraska. He moved from Iowa to Peru Nebraska in 1861. His public service is as follows:
Civil Positions
Provost Marshal
Engineer - Otoe Indian Reservation
Agent - Otoe Indian Reservation
Several terms in both houses of the Nebraska Legislature
Leader in the founding of Nebraska's first College - Peru State Normal School
Numerous terms as Trustee of this school
Deputy US Marshal - 1870 - 1872
US Marshal for Nebraska 1872 - 1880
Accomplishments as Nebraka Legislator
Establishment of Peru State Normal School
Opening of Nebraska public schools to Negro Children
Granting of suffrage to Negro citizens
Modification of all Nebraska statutes to remove any reference to race