Monday, July 15, 2013

James Smith "Babe", 7th., Kansas Cavalry.

 Lieutenant James Smith, later captain, was a native of the East Tennessee mountains, and had an intense hatred for a rebel. He was a big, awkward fellow, with very light hair which he always wore close cropped; he never escaped the name of "Babe," given him at his first enlistment. He was perfectly fearless and would fight an army rather than retreat, and when he held the command of the company, had always to be watched and ordered back in a most peremptory manner or he was liable to stay too long. He would have died any time rather than surrender, as the story of his death will attest. After his discharge from the service he went to southern Kansas, where he jumped, or rather took possession of, a claim deserted by the original preemptor; a party of men who considered him an interloper rode out to drive him off. He did not drive, and when they opened fire he promptly returned it and killed two of their number before he himself fell. As one of the posse bent over him to ascertain if he was dead, he suddenly raised his pistol hand and sent a bullet through the brain of his inquisitive enemy, and with a look of grim satisfaction joined him on his unknown journey. 

James Smith, Private, 7th., Kansas Cavalry, Co. C., Residence Leavenworth, Enlisted August 1, 1861, Mustered in September 5, 1861.  Promoted Second Lieutenant October 10, 1861.   Promoted Captain July 1, 1863.  Mustered out with regiment September 29, 1865.

2 comments:

WKM said...

Do you have any information as to his date of death or burial? He was married to my great-aunt Harriett (Hattie) Eliza Kelsey in 1865.

Dennis Segelquist said...

I was unable to find any death or burial records