W H Emslie was the son of James Emslie, of Cornwall, enlisting at the age of 18 years. He had learned the trade of baker from his father and was a young man of good morals and a general favorite among his associates. He had received the advantages of a good common school education, being quick to learn and comprehend any new idea. It is enough to say that he was a model young man. Enlisting in June 1861, as a private in Ira Harris' 2nd NY light cavalry, Go. G, his war record is without a blot, serving faithfully and never shirking duty, always appearing with a kind and sympathetic hand extended to a comrade in need. His military ability in war tactics was appreciated by his superiors, he being offered promotions which he refused, always saying that he could be of more benefit in the ranks. He was finally captured and taken to Andersonville, dying June 25, 1864, amid the unspeakable horrors of a southern rebel den.

In honor of William Henry Emslie, the Emslie Post was organized Feb 21, 1885, at the K. of H. Hall: several meetings were held and upon the report of the committees, the following comrades signed the application for a charter: William G. Pride, James C. Haggerty, Rev. O. P. Meeks, George Cleland, Rev. E. P. Roe, John McClean, Dr. Thomas Heaton, William H. Reynolds, A. J. Hicks, Isaac Edwards, Charles Edwards, Samuel P. Earl, William H. Oliver, Francis Ellingham, Isaac W. Ryder. The post was represented in New York at General Grant's funeral, also at the centennial.