William Woodson Gideon (1851-1891) was b. 1851 in Taney Co, MO to William Carroll Gideon and Malinda Byrd. He married Martha Ann Glossip in 1871. At the age of 13, he enlisted in Co. "F" 14th Infantry, MO Reg., serving under his brother, LT. Thomas Jefferson Gideon, as a bugler. His father and two brothers were in the same regiment. His father was murdered by Confederate bushwackers in his father's home while on leave. After the war, William Woodson helped his mother on the farm and when he was married, built a home adjoining his mother's near Highlandville, MO.

He later moved to Springfield, MO about 1889 where he operated a mercantile business, a grocery business, and was Chief of Police of Wenatchee. He was presented with a large silk flag by the D.A.R. for his 70th birthday. It was spread over his casket when he died in 1891.