The Life of William Burr Wooster
William was a farmer's son, born in Oxford in 1821. His first job outside the farm was as a village schoolteacher. Tired of both, he entered law, admitted to the bar in 1846 and moved to Derby that year. He was a popular politician, although he was not an office seeker he twice consented to serve in the General Assembly. At the outbreak of the Civil War he raised $3,000 in a Derby meeting for the volunteers. He served in the Civil War in the 20th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers. He commanded a regiment at the battle of Choncelorville. He was captured at one point and held at Libby prison before being exchanged. After that he was at Gettysburg. He w2as appointed Colonel of the 29th Regiment, which was an African American regiment. He had a large mansion on Clifton Avenue.