From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (PIONEERS & PATRIOTS: Anderson County Military Servicemen, Revolutionary War - WWI)

William Tinsley was born a slave about 1823 in Anderson County. After spending his youth in Anderson County, he was moved at an unknown time to live in Audrain County, Missouri. This move most likely occurred around 1853 as part of the estate settlement of Thomas Gaines, when several other Anderson County slaves were inherited by Mr. Gaines' heirs living in that county.

Late in the war between the States, the Federal Government authorized the enlistment of African/American regiments for service, and William Tinsley enrolled at Mexico, Missouri on August 8, 1864 and was mustered into service at Benton Barracks that same day as a private in Company E of the 18th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment.

The notes from Tinsley's  enlistment describe him as a slave working as a carpenter on the Abraham Tinsley farm, was born in Anderson County, KY, and was about 41 years of age. He was 5'10" with black hair and eyes and a dark mulatto complexion.

On September 18, 1864, Private  Tinsley received a promotion to the rank of sergeant. In December 1864, the 18th was active in Tennessee and took part in the Battle of Nashville on December 15-16, 1864.

Tinsley was mustered out of service at Huntsville, Alabama on February 21, 1866.

On July 10, 1891, William applied for an invalid pension and was admitted as a resident into the Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Danville, Illinois on October 17, 1901; he later died in Washington D.C.