William J. Smith

1845-1902

William Jason Smith was born July 24,1845 in Butler County, Alabama. He was known as Willie Jason to family members. At the age of 20, Willie Jason enlisted at Greenville as a private in Pou's Company, Alabama Volunteers on March 16, 1862 to fight in the Civil War.

In April 1862, Smith was listed as a 4th Sergeant with Company A, 33rd Alabama Volunteers. His pension records state that he was injuried while engaging in Battle at Shiloh, but the 33rd did not fight in that engagement. There were a number of units from Alabama present. As this battle was a two day scrimmish, April 6 &, 182, it probably a result of his actions, or the need for a replacement, that he was promoted to 4th Sergeant and transferred to Co. A, 33rd.

Sometime after that he was transferred to Company H. On November 4, 1862, he was among the soldiers riding the train near Cleveland TN when it wrecked. As a result, he was hospitalized at General Hospital, Cleveland, Tennessee. Records indicate that he was hospitalized during the month of December 1862.

From July through December 1862, he was listed as a sergeant. For most of 1862, he was shown as a 4th SGT. Records indicate that he recieved $102 for six months pay from July 1 through December 1, 1862, a rate of $19 per month.

Willie Jason was discharged from miltitary duty on March 31, 1864 as a private. On the day of discharge, he was issued one pair of pants valued at $12. This document was issued from the Quartermaster Department of the Confederate States of America to PVT. W. J. Smith of Company C, 33rd Alabama Regiment. It indicates his name as William J. Smith in one place; however, his signature is just W. J. Smith. In one place he is listed as Wm. J. Smith, Jr. Quartermaster at his time of discharge was Capt. E. C. Milner, also of Butler County.

After he was discharged, Willie Jason returned home. On May 8, 1867, he married Mary Frances Anna Gibbons, daughter of Joseph H. Gibbons. They were married in Pineville, Monroe County, Alabama. Names listed on the marriage license include William Griffin, bondsman, and J. B. Colley, J. P.

Smith was killed August 28, 1902, when his horse ran away with his buggy coming down what is known as the Old McKenzie Grade. He was thrown from the buggy when it overturned. He is buried in the Providence Cemetery in the Starlington Community.

William Jason Smith, Jr., called Willie Jason, is believed to have been the son of William J. Smith, Sr. Family members say his mother's name was Sally which was probably a nickname for Sarah. No records of his parents have been found.

On December 3, 1920, Mary Smith filed for a pension based on the military service of her husband with the C. S. A. The application indicates that he enlisted in Bellville in Conecuh County, rather than Greenville.

At the time of her application, she was living at Route 1, Georgiana with her son-in-law, George Leander Stinson. She listed no income and the following property:

Children of William Jason Smith and Mary F. A. Gibbons include Texanna, J. T. and Willie H. Smith.

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