William M. Smyth

1828-1862

William M. Smyth was born August 3, 1828, the son of Robert Smyth and Edney Thornton. This family is listed in the 1860 Butler County census as living in precinct 12. A farmer at that time, his personal property was valued at $650. He married Julia Ann Rhodes, daughter of Reddin and Barbary Rhodes.

William served in Co. H, 33rd Ala. Inf. as a private, enlisting on May 11, 1862 in Greenville AL. Military records state that he was "killed in railroad accident near Cleveland TN 11/4/1862. Decease claim filed Butler CO AL by Julia A. Smyth, widow. Witnesses to claim: Samuel Adams and Alexander McKellar." He
was buried in a mass grave beside the railroad tracks where he died near Cleveland, TN.

His children include: John Bragg Smith, Lizzie Ann Permolia Smith and Edna Smith.

On November 4, 1989, a monument was erected in the Fort Hill Cemetery near Cleveland, TN, near the site of the train wreck in which he was killed. His name, listed as Wm. M. Smith, is among the 17 soldiers of the 33rd Alabama Infantry who perished in the line of duty to the Confedracy.

Father and Brothers

SMITH, Robert, 1792-1860, Co. C, 33rd Ala Vol, 3LT, enlisted 3/11/62 Greenville AL, died during war unknown location; correct spelling Smyth.

SMYTH, John P. E., 1820-186?; died during war unknown unit and location.

SMYTH, David J. 1830-1862; Co. H 33rd Ala Vol, Private, enlisted 5/10/62 Greenville AL; Died Hospital Lauderdale Springs MS 7/22/1862. Decease claim filed Butler CO AL by Elizabeth D. Smyth widow. Witnesses to claim: M. Smyth and Jacob A. Smyth.

SMYTH, Jacob Arthur, 1833-1903, unknown unit; only survivor of war Smyth, R. M. 1839-1862, Co. K, 33rd Ala Inf., Private, Present muster Jan-Dec 1863. Co. H 33rd Ala Vol, Private, enlisted 3/17/62 Greenville AL; 23 at enlistment. Clothing requisition Mar 1864 Dalton GA. Decease claim filed 10/17/62 by J.H. Watts Atty.

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