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

David Wilson was born a slave in Anderson County about 1845. He remained a slave into adulthood; President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves in states openly hostile toward the Union. Late in the war, however, the government called for the enlistment of colored regiments, and all who answered the call were granted immediate freedom.

David therefore made his way to Camp Nelson to enlist, and on September 21, 1864 he was enrolled as a private in Company I of the 12th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery Regimnent. The 12th regiment saw no reported action during the war, serving garrison duty at various points in Central Kentucky until April 24, 1866, when it was discharged and mustered from Federal service.