Obituary of William Henry White, paternal grandfather of William D. White. White evidently returned unwell from his service as Brigade Surgeon for the Army of the Potomac, as he was honorably discharged in 1863, some months after his release from Libby Prison in Richmond.
Delaware State Journal
April 12, 1867
Death of Dr. W. H. White. – Dr. William H. White, died at his residence in this city, on Monday night last, in the 43rd year of his age. Dr. White was a native of Sussex County, Delaware, where he resided until after he arrived at his majority, when he removed to Wilmington. He was a skillful physician, an enjoyed an extensive practice. He was the Democratic candidate for Mayor in 1855 but was beaten by George W. Sparks. He was several years Port Physician, and for a short time in the newspaper fraternity as one of the editors and publishers of the Delaware Democrat, which had a brief existence about 1855. In the early part of the war for the suppression of the rebellion Dr. White was appointed Surgeon in the United States Army, and was ordered to the Army of the Potomac, near Richmond. While thus employed, he was taken prisoner, and conveyed to the latter city, and confined to Libby Prison. Upon his release he returned home and renewed the practice of medicine. He was a gentleman of fine abilities, and excellent social qualities, and his death will be much regretted by many. His remains were interred in the Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery yesterday afternoon, and were attended to their last resting place by Washington Lodge, No. 1, A. F. A. M., of which he was a member, and a large concourse of relatives and friends.