At the age of 23, William Wallace Tadder enlisted at Independence, New York on August 13th, 1862 and mustered into Company E, 19th New York Cavalry. It would only be a short time that the regiment went by that name, as it was quickly re-designated to the 1st New York Dragoons. Originally mustering in as a private, William rose up through the ranks to 1st Lieutenant, seeing many engagements with the 1st New York Dragoons.

After serving with General Philip Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley in late 1864, William and the 1st New York Dragoons rode with Sheridan’s force of cavalrymen to aid General Grant’s forces in the stalemate around Petersburg and Richmond. Wanting to cut the last supply line to the Confederate army, Sheridan was sent to disrupt the Southside Railroad. At the Battle of Five Forks on April 1st, 1865, the 1st New York Dragoons were pitching into action, charging into the fray, shattering the Confederate battle line and ultimately severing the railroad. After the fall of Richmond, the pursuit of Lee’s retreating army began. Five days after Five Forks, William and the 1st New York Dragoons were once again engaged on the battlefield of Sailor’s Creek. Attempting to cut off a portion of Lee’s army, cavalrymen assaulted the grey lines. Just like at Five Forks, the charge broke through the Confederate lines, completely disorganizing the entire force. Almost a fifth of Lee’s army became casualties on April 6th, with the majority becoming prisoners of war. William was present on the field of Appomattox Court House when flags of truce went up from the Confederate army following the sharp fight on the morning of April 9th, 1865. Shortly thereafter, Lee and Grant met in the parlor of the McLean House, ultimately resulting in the surrender of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. William was probably within eyesight and would have most likely seen the generals and officers making their way through the village of Appomattox Court House to the site which the surrender took place.