2nd Lieutenant James M.
Smith
Company D, 16th Regiment, Missouri Cavalry
Union Army
James M. Smith entered the Union Army as a private in the 6th Infantry Regiment of the Missouri Volunteers. He later received a field commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. The unit's designation was changed to the 16th Regiment, Missouri Cavalry. They fought in many skirmishes and battles in Missouri. At first, they operated against guerrillas. Later, they helped defeat Confederate Major General Price's Missouri Expedition. This included the Battles of Little Blue River, Independence, Westport, Maris des Cygnes, Marmiton River, Mine Creek, and Newtonia.
James Smith was born on September 4, 1840. He married Rebecca Watts, and they had one daughter named Lenna. He died on July 23, 1905, and he was buried in the Springfield National Cemetery.
Major Ron Lowrance
United States Army
Great-great-grandson