William was a Texas Ranger. Commanding officer was Capt. Stephen C. Ferrell. He enlisted in September 7, 1861 at Houston, Harris County, Texas as a private.
Native: Mississippi. Residence: Houston, Harris County, Texas.
Remarks: R&F 137; Elected Brevet 2nd Lieut. Dec. 62 and wounded at Knoxville Nov 17-63. Now dead. Information on this card from roll compiled by John M. Claiborne for the Reunion in Galveston, Feb. 20 - 1882.
[Source - Texas Muster Roll Index Cards 1838-1900]

Note ~ In many of the world's military establishments, a brevet was a warrant giving a commissioned officer a higher rank title as a reward for gallantry or meritorious conduct, but without receiving the authority, precedence, or pay of real rank. [Wikipedia]

Note - William was born in Georgia but had come to Texas from Mississippi with his brother, Jason. William was married to Jane Palmer before 1865 and had three children with her. (see links) Her burial is not known. His brother, Jason, may have been lost in the Galveston hurricane of 1900 which left 6000 to 8000 dead.

The Houston Daily Post - July 23, 1881
A proper tribute has been paid in another column to the memory of W. R. Black, the late foreman of the Houston POST, who died suddenly and alone in his lodgings two nights ago. Death, when he comes, whether in war or peace, is received respectfully. We may be in haste when in battle, and have only time to touch our cap to his majesty when he shows a glimpse of his terrible face. In peace the visits of this dread messenger - for after all, he is only a servant, though wearing a crown of a king - are accompanied by a much greater shock to our sensibilities. We expect no evil, and lo! the lightning flashes from out the clear heavens and the bolt hurtles to its fatal aim. So is it with us now. Many of us bade a cheery "good evening: to, or exchanged a passing salutation with our friend on Wednesday morning. The next morning his lifeless body told the story of a brief agony in the dark, still night, and the parting of an immortal spirit from its much worn tenement. A gallant soldier, a good man, a true friend has been gathered to his fathers. Let us drop the tear of sympathy to his memory; and remembering the quiet and manly spirit of our departed friend - close up ranks and march steadily on, not knowing where the next shot may strike. Old Tacitus never said a nobler thing than when he wrote: "Fexninis lugere, honestum est; veris reminiscre" It is an honorable thing for women to lament; but men should remember. It is not a little remarkable that the remains of Mr. Black were buried by the side of the grave of Mr. Frank Hall, formerly the foreman of the POST, than whom a truer man and one more kindly endowed by nature, it would be hard to find. The POST, not yet two years old, has had the sorrow of seeing two capable and high-spirited men, who had worked faithfully in its employ, put under the sod. And there they lay, side by side, "life's fitful fever o'er," waiting the last summons. Peace be to their dust!

The Houston Daily Post, July 23, 1881
Resolutions of Respect.
WHEREAS, Death has taken from earth WILLIAM R. BLACK, Treasurer of Typographical Union, No. 87.
Resolved. That the Union has lost a valuable and useful member, one who was the embodiment of honor, truth and charity.
Resolved. That we deeply deplore his loss, and extend to his relatives our sympathy and condolence.
Resolved. That to the Houston members of the Terry Ranger Association we return thanks for their active participation in the obsequies of our deceased brother, remembering him as a friend, and recognizing his past services as a gallant soldier.
Resolved. That this preamble and resolutions be spread upon the minutes of the Union and published in the columns of the DAILY POST.
CYRUS S. ODERLY
JOS. HYNES
W. J. MOORE
Attest: WM. R. SINCLAIR, Secretary

[Provided by Cathea Curry - Original newspapers provided by Sue Behrens]

The Austin Weekly Statesman, 20 Apr 1876, Thu, First Edition
"Mr W.R. Black Visits Austin" - "Mr. W.R. Black, of Lockhart, was in this city yesterday and gave the STATESMAN office a visitation. He is a great and good man, and can out-thunder the immortal Jove upon the royal heights of "Mount Olympus."

Brenham Weekly Banner, 2 Apr 1880, Fri, First Edition
"W.R' Black Chosen President of Houston Telegram" - "At a meeting of the stock-holders of the Houston Telegram publishing company held on Monday, W.R. Black was chosen president and A.C. Gray secretary and managing editor."

The Dallas Daily Herald (Dallas, Texas), 22 Jul 1881, Fri. Page 1.
W. R. Black, an old and respected typo of this city and an officer in the Terry Rangers, died here suddenly today of consumption. He was foreman of the Post composing room at the time of his death.

The Austin Weekly Statesman, 28 Jul 1881, Thu, First Edition
"Mr. William Black Dies Suddenly" - "Mr. William Black, an old Texas printer, and foreman of the Houston Post, died very suddenly the other day."
[Above articles courtesy of RAOGK, Kyle Bradley]
W. R. Black was a member of Houston's Typographical Union No.87

Original interment took place in Glenwood Cemetery.
W. R. Black and 23 other individuals remains were disinterred from Glenwood Cemetery and moved to Hollywood Cemetery. They were buried on 20 DEC 1911 in a section of the cemetery which was purchased by Union No. 87 for their members.

Hollywood Cemetery Record of interments 1895-1914 Vol A No 1-2150 Interment #1645 pg 77 image 156
Record of lots 1910-1916 Vol C pg 65 Image 88
[Provided by FJReck - original owner of this memorial]