William C. Beck was 27 years old when he enlisted as a sergeant to serve three years with Company C on June 1, 1861. After several non-commissioned officer's deaths in West Virginia, he advanced to first sergeant on October 4, 1861. He served honorably with the 24th at Shiloh and received a second lieutenant's commission on June 6, 1862. Beck received another promotion to first lieutenant on December 31, 1862, after Captain David J. Higgins received his promotion to colonel. Beck succeeded to company command when Captain Dewitt Clinton Wadsworth was killed at the Battle of Chickamauga. Like many other officers of the 24th OVI, Beck's promotion to captain arrived on April 21, 1864. Captain Beck mustered out of service with his company on June 22, 1864.

Following his discharge, Beck returned to Columbiana County, and made his home there.

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