William Brill enlisted in the 97th Ohio Infantry although he lied about his age as he was only 16. He was wouned at the battle of Franklin, TN. Brill went on to finish out the War and afterward enlisted in the Cavarly and fought in the Indian Wars out West. According to Brill he was the one who buried Chief Sitting Bull. Brill said he took measurements of the great Chief and said his chest was 49 inches across. Brill also claimed to have had the last known photograph of Sitting Bull before his death. After the turn of the century Brill lived in Columbus, Ohio. According to Brill he spent ten years as 1st Sgt of Troop C of the 1st Cavalry and the rest of the time as 1st Sgt of Company G of the 12th Infantry. Brill also served in the Spainsh-American War with the 12th Infantry and took part in the battle of El Caney.

According to Brill while stationed at Fort Yates, North Dakota he was ordered with his company and about 30 Indian scouts to bring back Sitting Bull. (I am assuming that this was Company C, 1st US Cavalry) Brill said they had traveled for about three days when he heard rifle fire ahead of him. One of the Indian scouts had killed Sitting Bull. Brill said of Sitting Bull "I have never seen a man of more powerful physique" Brill also claims to have a photo of the Sioux version of the Virgin Mary. Brill said this may have led to the ghost dance at Wounded Knee.