Notes from his relative Roberta Zieskie:

Wilhelm was born in Germany, he came to the US in 1853. He served with the 12th Illinois Cavalry Co. F & B during the Civil War (alias William Ciska )At the time of his enlistment, Oct.7, 1861, he was a resident of Summerville, Macoupin Co. Illinois. His second enlistment on Nov. 10, 1863 he was a resident of Trunball, Macoupin Co. Illinois when he transferred to co. B 12th Ill. Cav. William Cieska mustered out March 28, 1866.* [Martin Johnson Civil War Historian] William married Wilhelmina (Bork -Burk) in 1867 shortly after his discharge. They farmed in the McCloud and later Douglas county Minnesota. William died quite suddenly, February 14, 1891 the day after a family argument, according to the medical examiner he died of a perforation of the small intestine. On July 24, 1891 Wilhelmine applied for a widows pension.(as of 1926 she was receiving $30 per month) At the time of his death, William was a member of the “Reynolds Post of Alexandria” and was buried with full GAR honors.