William H. DeBevoise

William H. DeBevoise (May 10, 1828 – September 17, 1862) was a Union Army officer in the American Civil War, best known for leading the celebrated 14th Regiment New York State Militia (also known as the 84th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment or the 14th Brooklyn) and falling at the Battle of Antietam.

Early life and career William Henry DeBevoise was born May 10, 1828, in Brooklyn, New York, to Samuel DeBevoise and Elizabeth (Hart) DeBevoise. Raised in a prominent Dutch-American family with deep roots in Kings County, New York, he came of age in a Brooklyn transforming into a major urban center. Active in civic life, he graduated from New York University in 1848, where he was noted for his public speaking and interest in politics. After graduation, he worked as a commission merchant, a position that connected him to the city's growing commercial elite.