Musician WILLIAM M. SMITHSON, Co. F, 86th Illinois
William Manson (or Miller) Smithson was born on November 21, 1833 in Highland County, Ohio, one of two sons born to Edward Terrell Smithson and Elizabeth "Betsey" (Walter) Smithson. Edward Terrell Smithson was born Dec. 9, 1804, most likely in Virginia, the son of Samuel Smithson, who was born on March 3, 1779 in Virginia and who died c. August 1, 1831, very likely in Highland County, Ohio, and Mary "Polly" (Terrell) Smithson, who was born July 2, 1784 in Virginia and who died on May 31, 1865 in Highland County, Ohio at the age of 80 years, 10 months and 29 days. Mary Terrell Smithson's mortal remains were laid in the Auburn Cemetery in Highland County, Ohio.
Edward Terrell Smithson was married to Elizabeth "Betsey" Walter on December 27, 1832 in Highland Co., Ohio. Elizabeth was born on February 9, 1814, the daughter of John W. Walter, who was born on December 12/13, 1789 in Virginia and who died on Aug. 6, 1863 in Knox County, Illinois, and his first wife, Hannah (Sumner) Walter, who was born May 9, 1793 and who died on September 22, 1844. John W. Walter and Hannah Sumner were married on April 16, 1812 and ten children were born to them including;
1. Elizabeth "Betsey" Walter, born February 9, 1814.
2. William Jackson Walter, born December 10, 1815.
3. Thomas Richeson Walter, born September 30, 1817.
4. Jiney Walter, born October 20, 1820.
5. James R. Walter, born November 18, 1821.
6. Lettice Walter, born November 3, 1824.
7. John G. Walter, born October 9, 1827.
8. Bowarter Sumner Walter, born September 13, 1830.
9. Cynthia Walter, born March 8, 1833.
10. Richeson Carey Walter, born May 18, 1836.
Edward Terrell Smithson and Elizabeth (Walter) Walter are known to have had two children, William M. Smithson and John Walter Smithson, who was born on September 27, 1835 in Highland County, Ohio, before Edward Terrell Smithson died on October 21, 1836. There are people who believe that the Smithsons came west to Knox County, Illinois before his death. If he did die in Knox County, Illinois, then he could very likely have been buried in the Thurman (Bennington) Cemetery or in the Housh-Walter-Sumner Cemetery in Maquon Township of Knox County, Illinois. However, Betsey's uncle, Bowater Sumner, was serving as Surety on July 11, 1837, in Highland County, Ohio, when her father, John W. Walter was appointed Guardian of Edward and Betsey's sons, William M. Smithson, who was 3 at this time, and John W. Smithson, who was 18 months old at this time. John W. Walter definately brought the family west to Knox County, Illinois sometime before 1840, as he is found and his family are found in Knox County at the time of the 1840 census, but, I believe that this may not have occurred until 1838 or 1839. If Edward Terrell Smithson did die in Highland County, then his mortal remains may very well actually lie in the Auburn Cemetery near those of his parents.
Betsey (Walter) Smithson was married to Isaiah Stevenson on October 10, 1840 in Knox County, Illinois. One son, George K. Stevenson was born to them on Nov. 7, 1841 in Knox County, Illinois, but George died on Jun. 23, 1842 at the age of 7 months and 16 days and his mortal remains were laid in the Housh-Walter-Sumner Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
Elizabeth "Betsey" (Walter) Smithson Stevenson is known to have died shortly after this in the later half of 1842 or very early 1843 at the age of 28 years, __ months, and 14 days. Her mortal remains were also laid in the Housh-Walter-Sumner Cemetery near Maquon, Illinois. Betsey's death left William Mason Smithson and John Walter Smithson orphans and again, John W. Walter was appointed their Guardian here in Knox County, Illinois. Isaiah Stevenson died in 1848 and his mortal remains were laid in the Housh-Walter-Sumner Cemetery in Knox County.
John W. Walter was married to widow, Fanny (Marchant) Walter on January 23, 1848 in Knox County and one daughter, Hannah Jane Walter, was born to them on September 24, 1849. Hannah would eventually marry Franklin Davis, who had served with the Smithsons in Co. F of the 86th Illinois during the Civil War.
At the time of the 1850 census, William M. Smithson is found residing with grandfather, John W. Walter, John's 2nd wife, Fanny (Marchant) Thurman Walter, and their combined families in Knox County, Illinois. In the transcribed census that I found, William's age is given as 10, which is terribly wrong, as he would have been 16 at this time;
John W Walter M 60 Virginia
Fanny Walter F 43 Virginia
Bouater Walter M 19 Ohio
Cythia Ann Walter F 17 Ohio
Richason Walter M 13 Ohio
Hannah Walter F 0 Illinois
Wm M Smithson M 10 Ohio
Emily Thurman F 16 Illinois
Harriet Thurman F 14 Illinois
Henry B Thurman M 12 Illinois
Fanny Thurman F 10 Illinois
Thomas A Thurman M 8 Illinois
Alelissa Thurman F 6 Illinois
At the time of the 1850 census, John Walter Smithson, William's brother, is found residing with and working on the farm of his uncle, Thomas R. Walter, and his family in Knox County, Illinois;
Thos R Walter M 30 Ohio
Lettice Needles F 33 Ohio
Hannah E Needles F 4 Illinois
John W Smithson M 15 Ohio
On December 20, 1855, William M. Smithson was married to Harriet Thurman, his step grandmother's daughter, in Knox County, Illinois. Harriet was born on August 8, 1835/36/37 in Knox County, Illinois, the daughter of Mark Thurman and Fanny (Marchant) Thurman Walter and her first husband, Mark Thurman. Three children are known to have been born to William and Harriet. They are;
1. Velma Viola Smithson, born June 13, 1862; Velma was married to Alfred L. Smith on ___________ __, 18__ at ___________, ___________. At the time of the 1880 census, Velma and Alfred are found in David City, Butler County, Nebraska;
Self Alfred L Smith M 25 Austria
Wife Velma V Smith F 17 Illinois
Velma died on July 22, 1919 in Harris County, Texas; Listed as Velma V. Smith, her mortal remains were laid in the Fairview Cemetery in League City, Galveston County, Texas.
2. Alberta I. Smithson, born September 3, 1867; died on March 29, 1956.
3. Charles Fred Smithson, born August __, 1872; died sometime after 1930.
John Walter Smithson was married to Amanda F. Thurman on March 6, 1859 in Knox County, Illinois. Amanda Thurman was born on September 30, 1835 at Lancaster, Ohio in Fairfield County, the daughter of Elisha Thurman and Anna Bell (Hall) Thurman. Elisha Thurman, Mark Thurman's brother, is found in Knox County by 1837, where he settled in Maquon Township. So the Smithson brothers married Thurman cousins.
At the time of the 1860 census, William and his family are found in Maquon Township in Knox County, Illinois;
William M Smithson M 25 Ohio
Hariet Smithson F 24 Illinois
Mandana G Thurmen F 9 Illinois
At the time of the 1860 census, John and his family are found in Maquon Township in Knox County, Illinois as well;
J W Smithson M 26 Ohio
Amanda Smithson F 25 Illinois
Edward S Smithson M 1 Illinois
On August 2, 1862, William and John's uncle, Bowater Sumner Walter, and their uncle, Joel Darnell, who was married to one of Bowater's older sister, Cynthia, volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in the Maquon, Illinois area by a local Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burhalter for service in the Union Army. Future uncle, Franklin Davis, who would marry Bowater's baby 1/2 sister, Hannah Jane Walter, after the war, also volunteered to served in this Maquon company on August 2, 1862. Two days later on August 4, 1862, William and John's uncle and Bowater's brother, Cary R. Walter also volunteered to serve in the Maquon area company.
On August 5, 1862, William M. Smithson and John W. Smithson went into Maquon and also volunteered to serve in the Maquon area company, William as a Musician.
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name SMITHSON, WILLIAM M Rank MUS
Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL
Age 29 Height 5' 11 Hair DARK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion FAIR
Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity HIGHLAND CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 5, 1862
Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom J L BURKHALTER
Period 3 YRS Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom
Muster Out
Muster Out Where
Muster Out By Whom
Remarks DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY FEB 2, 1863 AT GALLATIN TENN
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, he was elected by the men of the Maquon company to be their Captain and Captain Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers were mustered in as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. John W. Smithson was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their 6th Corporal.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade headed for Nashville, Tennessee, where they went would go into winter camp.
However, even before the men of McCook's Brigade had left Kentucky, many men were sick, the new lifestyle and new diet, not being conducive to good health. One of the men known to have been having trouble with his health was Corporal John W. Smithson, who had contracted Typhoid Fever. When the men of McCook's Brigade passed through Danville, Kentucky on or about the 14th of October of 1862, Corporal Smithson was left behind sick in the hospital there. The men of McCook's Brigade arrived in Bowling Green, Kentucky about October 31, 1862. From there the men passed through Gallatin, Tennessee before heading on to Nashville. Still more men were left behind sick at Gallatin. Two of those believed to have been left behind at Gallatin at this time were Private Bowater S. Walter and Musician William M. Smithson. The men of McCook's Briagde arrived in Nashville on November 7, 1862, taking up camp across the river in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Back in Danville, the army doctors did all they could for Corporal John W. Smithson, however, his condition continued to get worse and on November 18, 1862, Corporal John Walter Smithson succumbed to Typhoid Fever at the age of 27. His earthly remains were most likely initially buried in a Union burying ground in Danville area. But, his family is believed to have sent for his remains and today his earthly remains are believed to lie in the Thurman Cemetery in Knox County, Illinois. It would probably have been some time before Musician William M. Smithson found out about the passing of his brother.
In Gallatin, Tennessee, Private Bowater S. Walter and Musician William M. Smithson was having their own issues with his health. The army doctors did all they could for Bowater and William, but in January of 1863, made the decision that the best thing that they could do for them was to discharge them and send them home in hopes that with the help of family and some home cooking they could survive their ailment and regain their health. So, amazingly, and perhaps because they were uncle and nephew to each other, it appears they were both discharged from the service on February 2, 1863 from the army hospital at Gallatin and sent home. Once back home, with the help of family and that home cooking, William M. Smithson and Bowater S. Walter, not only survived their ailments, but went on to live long lives. See the Find A Grave sites of Bowater and Cary Walter for more information about them and their families.
At the time of the 1870 census, William M. Smithson and his family are found in ___________ County, Illinois;
Miller Smithson M 36 Ohio
Harriet Smithson F 34 Illinois
Viola Smithson F 8 Illinois
Alberta Smithson F 3 Illinois
Edward Wighter M 23 Illinois
Traukla Haaley M 18 Connecticut
Sometime between the 1870 census and 1872, the Smithsons moved west to Nebraska. At the time of the 1880 census, William M. Smithson and his family are found in David City in Butler County, Nebraska;
Self Wm M Smithson M 46 Ohio
Wife Hariet Smithson F 44 Illinois
Daughter Alberta I Smithson F 13 Illinois
Son Chas F Smithson M 8 Nebraska
At the time of the 1900 census, William and his family are found in Justice Precincts 6-7 in Galveston County, Texas. He and Harriet are listed as having been married 43 years at this time;
Head William M Smithson M Nov 1833 67 Ohio
Wife Harriet Smithson F Aug 1835 65 Illinois
Daughter Alberti I Smithson F Sep 1867 33 Illinois
Son Charles F Smithson M Aug 1872 28 Nebraska
At the time of the 1910 census, William and his family are found in Justice Precinct 6, Galveston County, Texas;
Head William M Smithson M 76 Ohio
Wife Harriet Smithson F 74 Illinois
Son Charles F Smithson M 37 Nebraska
Musician William Manson Smithson, of Co. F of the 86th Illinois is believed to have died on August 15, 1913, very likely in or near League City in Galveston County, Texas, at the age of 79. His mortal remains were laid in the Fairview Cemetery in League City, Galveston County, Texas. Harriet (Thurman) Smithson died on Jan. 14, 1928 in League City, Texas on the Harris County side, and her mortal remains were laid beside those of her husband of 57 years in the Fairview Cemetery in League City, Texas. Her death certificate apparently states she was born in 1837.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants of the Smithson family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on William M. Smithson and the Smithson family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of William M. Smithson that have survived the years added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
William Manson (or Miller) Smithson was born on November 21, 1833 in Highland County, Ohio, one of two sons born to Edward Terrell Smithson and Elizabeth "Betsey" (Walter) Smithson. Edward Terrell Smithson was born Dec. 9, 1804, most likely in Virginia, the son of Samuel Smithson, who was born on March 3, 1779 in Virginia and who died c. August 1, 1831, very likely in Highland County, Ohio, and Mary "Polly" (Terrell) Smithson, who was born July 2, 1784 in Virginia and who died on May 31, 1865 in Highland County, Ohio at the age of 80 years, 10 months and 29 days. Mary Terrell Smithson's mortal remains were laid in the Auburn Cemetery in Highland County, Ohio.
Edward Terrell Smithson was married to Elizabeth "Betsey" Walter on December 27, 1832 in Highland Co., Ohio. Elizabeth was born on February 9, 1814, the daughter of John W. Walter, who was born on December 12/13, 1789 in Virginia and who died on Aug. 6, 1863 in Knox County, Illinois, and his first wife, Hannah (Sumner) Walter, who was born May 9, 1793 and who died on September 22, 1844. John W. Walter and Hannah Sumner were married on April 16, 1812 and ten children were born to them including;
1. Elizabeth "Betsey" Walter, born February 9, 1814.
2. William Jackson Walter, born December 10, 1815.
3. Thomas Richeson Walter, born September 30, 1817.
4. Jiney Walter, born October 20, 1820.
5. James R. Walter, born November 18, 1821.
6. Lettice Walter, born November 3, 1824.
7. John G. Walter, born October 9, 1827.
8. Bowarter Sumner Walter, born September 13, 1830.
9. Cynthia Walter, born March 8, 1833.
10. Richeson Carey Walter, born May 18, 1836.
Edward Terrell Smithson and Elizabeth (Walter) Walter are known to have had two children, William M. Smithson and John Walter Smithson, who was born on September 27, 1835 in Highland County, Ohio, before Edward Terrell Smithson died on October 21, 1836. There are people who believe that the Smithsons came west to Knox County, Illinois before his death. If he did die in Knox County, Illinois, then he could very likely have been buried in the Thurman (Bennington) Cemetery or in the Housh-Walter-Sumner Cemetery in Maquon Township of Knox County, Illinois. However, Betsey's uncle, Bowater Sumner, was serving as Surety on July 11, 1837, in Highland County, Ohio, when her father, John W. Walter was appointed Guardian of Edward and Betsey's sons, William M. Smithson, who was 3 at this time, and John W. Smithson, who was 18 months old at this time. John W. Walter definately brought the family west to Knox County, Illinois sometime before 1840, as he is found and his family are found in Knox County at the time of the 1840 census, but, I believe that this may not have occurred until 1838 or 1839. If Edward Terrell Smithson did die in Highland County, then his mortal remains may very well actually lie in the Auburn Cemetery near those of his parents.
Betsey (Walter) Smithson was married to Isaiah Stevenson on October 10, 1840 in Knox County, Illinois. One son, George K. Stevenson was born to them on Nov. 7, 1841 in Knox County, Illinois, but George died on Jun. 23, 1842 at the age of 7 months and 16 days and his mortal remains were laid in the Housh-Walter-Sumner Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
Elizabeth "Betsey" (Walter) Smithson Stevenson is known to have died shortly after this in the later half of 1842 or very early 1843 at the age of 28 years, __ months, and 14 days. Her mortal remains were also laid in the Housh-Walter-Sumner Cemetery near Maquon, Illinois. Betsey's death left William Mason Smithson and John Walter Smithson orphans and again, John W. Walter was appointed their Guardian here in Knox County, Illinois. Isaiah Stevenson died in 1848 and his mortal remains were laid in the Housh-Walter-Sumner Cemetery in Knox County.
John W. Walter was married to widow, Fanny (Marchant) Walter on January 23, 1848 in Knox County and one daughter, Hannah Jane Walter, was born to them on September 24, 1849. Hannah would eventually marry Franklin Davis, who had served with the Smithsons in Co. F of the 86th Illinois during the Civil War.
At the time of the 1850 census, William M. Smithson is found residing with grandfather, John W. Walter, John's 2nd wife, Fanny (Marchant) Thurman Walter, and their combined families in Knox County, Illinois. In the transcribed census that I found, William's age is given as 10, which is terribly wrong, as he would have been 16 at this time;
John W Walter M 60 Virginia
Fanny Walter F 43 Virginia
Bouater Walter M 19 Ohio
Cythia Ann Walter F 17 Ohio
Richason Walter M 13 Ohio
Hannah Walter F 0 Illinois
Wm M Smithson M 10 Ohio
Emily Thurman F 16 Illinois
Harriet Thurman F 14 Illinois
Henry B Thurman M 12 Illinois
Fanny Thurman F 10 Illinois
Thomas A Thurman M 8 Illinois
Alelissa Thurman F 6 Illinois
At the time of the 1850 census, John Walter Smithson, William's brother, is found residing with and working on the farm of his uncle, Thomas R. Walter, and his family in Knox County, Illinois;
Thos R Walter M 30 Ohio
Lettice Needles F 33 Ohio
Hannah E Needles F 4 Illinois
John W Smithson M 15 Ohio
On December 20, 1855, William M. Smithson was married to Harriet Thurman, his step grandmother's daughter, in Knox County, Illinois. Harriet was born on August 8, 1835/36/37 in Knox County, Illinois, the daughter of Mark Thurman and Fanny (Marchant) Thurman Walter and her first husband, Mark Thurman. Three children are known to have been born to William and Harriet. They are;
1. Velma Viola Smithson, born June 13, 1862; Velma was married to Alfred L. Smith on ___________ __, 18__ at ___________, ___________. At the time of the 1880 census, Velma and Alfred are found in David City, Butler County, Nebraska;
Self Alfred L Smith M 25 Austria
Wife Velma V Smith F 17 Illinois
Velma died on July 22, 1919 in Harris County, Texas; Listed as Velma V. Smith, her mortal remains were laid in the Fairview Cemetery in League City, Galveston County, Texas.
2. Alberta I. Smithson, born September 3, 1867; died on March 29, 1956.
3. Charles Fred Smithson, born August __, 1872; died sometime after 1930.
John Walter Smithson was married to Amanda F. Thurman on March 6, 1859 in Knox County, Illinois. Amanda Thurman was born on September 30, 1835 at Lancaster, Ohio in Fairfield County, the daughter of Elisha Thurman and Anna Bell (Hall) Thurman. Elisha Thurman, Mark Thurman's brother, is found in Knox County by 1837, where he settled in Maquon Township. So the Smithson brothers married Thurman cousins.
At the time of the 1860 census, William and his family are found in Maquon Township in Knox County, Illinois;
William M Smithson M 25 Ohio
Hariet Smithson F 24 Illinois
Mandana G Thurmen F 9 Illinois
At the time of the 1860 census, John and his family are found in Maquon Township in Knox County, Illinois as well;
J W Smithson M 26 Ohio
Amanda Smithson F 25 Illinois
Edward S Smithson M 1 Illinois
On August 2, 1862, William and John's uncle, Bowater Sumner Walter, and their uncle, Joel Darnell, who was married to one of Bowater's older sister, Cynthia, volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in the Maquon, Illinois area by a local Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burhalter for service in the Union Army. Future uncle, Franklin Davis, who would marry Bowater's baby 1/2 sister, Hannah Jane Walter, after the war, also volunteered to served in this Maquon company on August 2, 1862. Two days later on August 4, 1862, William and John's uncle and Bowater's brother, Cary R. Walter also volunteered to serve in the Maquon area company.
On August 5, 1862, William M. Smithson and John W. Smithson went into Maquon and also volunteered to serve in the Maquon area company, William as a Musician.
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name SMITHSON, WILLIAM M Rank MUS
Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL
Age 29 Height 5' 11 Hair DARK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion FAIR
Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity HIGHLAND CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 5, 1862
Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom J L BURKHALTER
Period 3 YRS Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom
Muster Out
Muster Out Where
Muster Out By Whom
Remarks DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY FEB 2, 1863 AT GALLATIN TENN
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, he was elected by the men of the Maquon company to be their Captain and Captain Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers were mustered in as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. John W. Smithson was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their 6th Corporal.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade headed for Nashville, Tennessee, where they went would go into winter camp.
However, even before the men of McCook's Brigade had left Kentucky, many men were sick, the new lifestyle and new diet, not being conducive to good health. One of the men known to have been having trouble with his health was Corporal John W. Smithson, who had contracted Typhoid Fever. When the men of McCook's Brigade passed through Danville, Kentucky on or about the 14th of October of 1862, Corporal Smithson was left behind sick in the hospital there. The men of McCook's Brigade arrived in Bowling Green, Kentucky about October 31, 1862. From there the men passed through Gallatin, Tennessee before heading on to Nashville. Still more men were left behind sick at Gallatin. Two of those believed to have been left behind at Gallatin at this time were Private Bowater S. Walter and Musician William M. Smithson. The men of McCook's Briagde arrived in Nashville on November 7, 1862, taking up camp across the river in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Back in Danville, the army doctors did all they could for Corporal John W. Smithson, however, his condition continued to get worse and on November 18, 1862, Corporal John Walter Smithson succumbed to Typhoid Fever at the age of 27. His earthly remains were most likely initially buried in a Union burying ground in Danville area. But, his family is believed to have sent for his remains and today his earthly remains are believed to lie in the Thurman Cemetery in Knox County, Illinois. It would probably have been some time before Musician William M. Smithson found out about the passing of his brother.
In Gallatin, Tennessee, Private Bowater S. Walter and Musician William M. Smithson was having their own issues with his health. The army doctors did all they could for Bowater and William, but in January of 1863, made the decision that the best thing that they could do for them was to discharge them and send them home in hopes that with the help of family and some home cooking they could survive their ailment and regain their health. So, amazingly, and perhaps because they were uncle and nephew to each other, it appears they were both discharged from the service on February 2, 1863 from the army hospital at Gallatin and sent home. Once back home, with the help of family and that home cooking, William M. Smithson and Bowater S. Walter, not only survived their ailments, but went on to live long lives. See the Find A Grave sites of Bowater and Cary Walter for more information about them and their families.
At the time of the 1870 census, William M. Smithson and his family are found in ___________ County, Illinois;
Miller Smithson M 36 Ohio
Harriet Smithson F 34 Illinois
Viola Smithson F 8 Illinois
Alberta Smithson F 3 Illinois
Edward Wighter M 23 Illinois
Traukla Haaley M 18 Connecticut
Sometime between the 1870 census and 1872, the Smithsons moved west to Nebraska. At the time of the 1880 census, William M. Smithson and his family are found in David City in Butler County, Nebraska;
Self Wm M Smithson M 46 Ohio
Wife Hariet Smithson F 44 Illinois
Daughter Alberta I Smithson F 13 Illinois
Son Chas F Smithson M 8 Nebraska
At the time of the 1900 census, William and his family are found in Justice Precincts 6-7 in Galveston County, Texas. He and Harriet are listed as having been married 43 years at this time;
Head William M Smithson M Nov 1833 67 Ohio
Wife Harriet Smithson F Aug 1835 65 Illinois
Daughter Alberti I Smithson F Sep 1867 33 Illinois
Son Charles F Smithson M Aug 1872 28 Nebraska
At the time of the 1910 census, William and his family are found in Justice Precinct 6, Galveston County, Texas;
Head William M Smithson M 76 Ohio
Wife Harriet Smithson F 74 Illinois
Son Charles F Smithson M 37 Nebraska
Musician William Manson Smithson, of Co. F of the 86th Illinois is believed to have died on August 15, 1913, very likely in or near League City in Galveston County, Texas, at the age of 79. His mortal remains were laid in the Fairview Cemetery in League City, Galveston County, Texas. Harriet (Thurman) Smithson died on Jan. 14, 1928 in League City, Texas on the Harris County side, and her mortal remains were laid beside those of her husband of 57 years in the Fairview Cemetery in League City, Texas. Her death certificate apparently states she was born in 1837.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants of the Smithson family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on William M. Smithson and the Smithson family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of William M. Smithson that have survived the years added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Musician WILLIAM M. SMITHSON, Co. F, 86th Illinois
William Manson (or Miller) Smithson was born on November 21, 1833 in Highland County, Ohio, one of two sons born to Edward Terrell Smithson and Elizabeth "Betsey" (Walter) Smithson. Edward Terrell Smithson was born Dec. 9, 1804, most likely in Virginia, the son of Samuel Smithson, who was born on March 3, 1779 in Virginia and who died c. August 1, 1831, very likely in Highland County, Ohio, and Mary "Polly" (Terrell) Smithson, who was born July 2, 1784 in Virginia and who died on May 31, 1865 in Highland County, Ohio at the age of 80 years, 10 months and 29 days. Mary Terrell Smithson's mortal remains were laid in the Auburn Cemetery in Highland County, Ohio.
Edward Terrell Smithson was married to Elizabeth "Betsey" Walter on December 27, 1832 in Highland Co., Ohio. Elizabeth was born on February 9, 1814, the daughter of John W. Walter, who was born on December 12/13, 1789 in Virginia and who died on Aug. 6, 1863 in Knox County, Illinois, and his first wife, Hannah (Sumner) Walter, who was born May 9, 1793 and who died on September 22, 1844. John W. Walter and Hannah Sumner were married on April 16, 1812 and ten children were born to them including;
1. Elizabeth "Betsey" Walter, born February 9, 1814.
2. William Jackson Walter, born December 10, 1815.
3. Thomas Richeson Walter, born September 30, 1817.
4. Jiney Walter, born October 20, 1820.
5. James R. Walter, born November 18, 1821.
6. Lettice Walter, born November 3, 1824.
7. John G. Walter, born October 9, 1827.
8. Bowarter Sumner Walter, born September 13, 1830.
9. Cynthia Walter, born March 8, 1833.
10. Richeson Carey Walter, born May 18, 1836.
Edward Terrell Smithson and Elizabeth (Walter) Walter are known to have had two children, William M. Smithson and John Walter Smithson, who was born on September 27, 1835 in Highland County, Ohio, before Edward Terrell Smithson died on October 21, 1836. There are people who believe that the Smithsons came west to Knox County, Illinois before his death. If he did die in Knox County, Illinois, then he could very likely have been buried in the Thurman (Bennington) Cemetery or in the Housh-Walter-Sumner Cemetery in Maquon Township of Knox County, Illinois. However, Betsey's uncle, Bowater Sumner, was serving as Surety on July 11, 1837, in Highland County, Ohio, when her father, John W. Walter was appointed Guardian of Edward and Betsey's sons, William M. Smithson, who was 3 at this time, and John W. Smithson, who was 18 months old at this time. John W. Walter definately brought the family west to Knox County, Illinois sometime before 1840, as he is found and his family are found in Knox County at the time of the 1840 census, but, I believe that this may not have occurred until 1838 or 1839. If Edward Terrell Smithson did die in Highland County, then his mortal remains may very well actually lie in the Auburn Cemetery near those of his parents.
Betsey (Walter) Smithson was married to Isaiah Stevenson on October 10, 1840 in Knox County, Illinois. One son, George K. Stevenson was born to them on Nov. 7, 1841 in Knox County, Illinois, but George died on Jun. 23, 1842 at the age of 7 months and 16 days and his mortal remains were laid in the Housh-Walter-Sumner Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
Elizabeth "Betsey" (Walter) Smithson Stevenson is known to have died shortly after this in the later half of 1842 or very early 1843 at the age of 28 years, __ months, and 14 days. Her mortal remains were also laid in the Housh-Walter-Sumner Cemetery near Maquon, Illinois. Betsey's death left William Mason Smithson and John Walter Smithson orphans and again, John W. Walter was appointed their Guardian here in Knox County, Illinois. Isaiah Stevenson died in 1848 and his mortal remains were laid in the Housh-Walter-Sumner Cemetery in Knox County.
John W. Walter was married to widow, Fanny (Marchant) Walter on January 23, 1848 in Knox County and one daughter, Hannah Jane Walter, was born to them on September 24, 1849. Hannah would eventually marry Franklin Davis, who had served with the Smithsons in Co. F of the 86th Illinois during the Civil War.
At the time of the 1850 census, William M. Smithson is found residing with grandfather, John W. Walter, John's 2nd wife, Fanny (Marchant) Thurman Walter, and their combined families in Knox County, Illinois. In the transcribed census that I found, William's age is given as 10, which is terribly wrong, as he would have been 16 at this time;
John W Walter M 60 Virginia
Fanny Walter F 43 Virginia
Bouater Walter M 19 Ohio
Cythia Ann Walter F 17 Ohio
Richason Walter M 13 Ohio
Hannah Walter F 0 Illinois
Wm M Smithson M 10 Ohio
Emily Thurman F 16 Illinois
Harriet Thurman F 14 Illinois
Henry B Thurman M 12 Illinois
Fanny Thurman F 10 Illinois
Thomas A Thurman M 8 Illinois
Alelissa Thurman F 6 Illinois
At the time of the 1850 census, John Walter Smithson, William's brother, is found residing with and working on the farm of his uncle, Thomas R. Walter, and his family in Knox County, Illinois;
Thos R Walter M 30 Ohio
Lettice Needles F 33 Ohio
Hannah E Needles F 4 Illinois
John W Smithson M 15 Ohio
On December 20, 1855, William M. Smithson was married to Harriet Thurman, his step grandmother's daughter, in Knox County, Illinois. Harriet was born on August 8, 1835/36/37 in Knox County, Illinois, the daughter of Mark Thurman and Fanny (Marchant) Thurman Walter and her first husband, Mark Thurman. Three children are known to have been born to William and Harriet. They are;
1. Velma Viola Smithson, born June 13, 1862; Velma was married to Alfred L. Smith on ___________ __, 18__ at ___________, ___________. At the time of the 1880 census, Velma and Alfred are found in David City, Butler County, Nebraska;
Self Alfred L Smith M 25 Austria
Wife Velma V Smith F 17 Illinois
Velma died on July 22, 1919 in Harris County, Texas; Listed as Velma V. Smith, her mortal remains were laid in the Fairview Cemetery in League City, Galveston County, Texas.
2. Alberta I. Smithson, born September 3, 1867; died on March 29, 1956.
3. Charles Fred Smithson, born August __, 1872; died sometime after 1930.
John Walter Smithson was married to Amanda F. Thurman on March 6, 1859 in Knox County, Illinois. Amanda Thurman was born on September 30, 1835 at Lancaster, Ohio in Fairfield County, the daughter of Elisha Thurman and Anna Bell (Hall) Thurman. Elisha Thurman, Mark Thurman's brother, is found in Knox County by 1837, where he settled in Maquon Township. So the Smithson brothers married Thurman cousins.
At the time of the 1860 census, William and his family are found in Maquon Township in Knox County, Illinois;
William M Smithson M 25 Ohio
Hariet Smithson F 24 Illinois
Mandana G Thurmen F 9 Illinois
At the time of the 1860 census, John and his family are found in Maquon Township in Knox County, Illinois as well;
J W Smithson M 26 Ohio
Amanda Smithson F 25 Illinois
Edward S Smithson M 1 Illinois
On August 2, 1862, William and John's uncle, Bowater Sumner Walter, and their uncle, Joel Darnell, who was married to one of Bowater's older sister, Cynthia, volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in the Maquon, Illinois area by a local Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burhalter for service in the Union Army. Future uncle, Franklin Davis, who would marry Bowater's baby 1/2 sister, Hannah Jane Walter, after the war, also volunteered to served in this Maquon company on August 2, 1862. Two days later on August 4, 1862, William and John's uncle and Bowater's brother, Cary R. Walter also volunteered to serve in the Maquon area company.
On August 5, 1862, William M. Smithson and John W. Smithson went into Maquon and also volunteered to serve in the Maquon area company, William as a Musician.
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name SMITHSON, WILLIAM M Rank MUS
Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL
Age 29 Height 5' 11 Hair DARK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion FAIR
Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity HIGHLAND CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 5, 1862
Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom J L BURKHALTER
Period 3 YRS Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom
Muster Out
Muster Out Where
Muster Out By Whom
Remarks DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY FEB 2, 1863 AT GALLATIN TENN
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, he was elected by the men of the Maquon company to be their Captain and Captain Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers were mustered in as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. John W. Smithson was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their 6th Corporal.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade headed for Nashville, Tennessee, where they went would go into winter camp.
However, even before the men of McCook's Brigade had left Kentucky, many men were sick, the new lifestyle and new diet, not being conducive to good health. One of the men known to have been having trouble with his health was Corporal John W. Smithson, who had contracted Typhoid Fever. When the men of McCook's Brigade passed through Danville, Kentucky on or about the 14th of October of 1862, Corporal Smithson was left behind sick in the hospital there. The men of McCook's Brigade arrived in Bowling Green, Kentucky about October 31, 1862. From there the men passed through Gallatin, Tennessee before heading on to Nashville. Still more men were left behind sick at Gallatin. Two of those believed to have been left behind at Gallatin at this time were Private Bowater S. Walter and Musician William M. Smithson. The men of McCook's Briagde arrived in Nashville on November 7, 1862, taking up camp across the river in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Back in Danville, the army doctors did all they could for Corporal John W. Smithson, however, his condition continued to get worse and on November 18, 1862, Corporal John Walter Smithson succumbed to Typhoid Fever at the age of 27. His earthly remains were most likely initially buried in a Union burying ground in Danville area. But, his family is believed to have sent for his remains and today his earthly remains are believed to lie in the Thurman Cemetery in Knox County, Illinois. It would probably have been some time before Musician William M. Smithson found out about the passing of his brother.
In Gallatin, Tennessee, Private Bowater S. Walter and Musician William M. Smithson was having their own issues with his health. The army doctors did all they could for Bowater and William, but in January of 1863, made the decision that the best thing that they could do for them was to discharge them and send them home in hopes that with the help of family and some home cooking they could survive their ailment and regain their health. So, amazingly, and perhaps because they were uncle and nephew to each other, it appears they were both discharged from the service on February 2, 1863 from the army hospital at Gallatin and sent home. Once back home, with the help of family and that home cooking, William M. Smithson and Bowater S. Walter, not only survived their ailments, but went on to live long lives. See the Find A Grave sites of Bowater and Cary Walter for more information about them and their families.
At the time of the 1870 census, William M. Smithson and his family are found in ___________ County, Illinois;
Miller Smithson M 36 Ohio
Harriet Smithson F 34 Illinois
Viola Smithson F 8 Illinois
Alberta Smithson F 3 Illinois
Edward Wighter M 23 Illinois
Traukla Haaley M 18 Connecticut
Sometime between the 1870 census and 1872, the Smithsons moved west to Nebraska. At the time of the 1880 census, William M. Smithson and his family are found in David City in Butler County, Nebraska;
Self Wm M Smithson M 46 Ohio
Wife Hariet Smithson F 44 Illinois
Daughter Alberta I Smithson F 13 Illinois
Son Chas F Smithson M 8 Nebraska
At the time of the 1900 census, William and his family are found in Justice Precincts 6-7 in Galveston County, Texas. He and Harriet are listed as having been married 43 years at this time;
Head William M Smithson M Nov 1833 67 Ohio
Wife Harriet Smithson F Aug 1835 65 Illinois
Daughter Alberti I Smithson F Sep 1867 33 Illinois
Son Charles F Smithson M Aug 1872 28 Nebraska
At the time of the 1910 census, William and his family are found in Justice Precinct 6, Galveston County, Texas;
Head William M Smithson M 76 Ohio
Wife Harriet Smithson F 74 Illinois
Son Charles F Smithson M 37 Nebraska
Musician William Manson Smithson, of Co. F of the 86th Illinois is believed to have died on August 15, 1913, very likely in or near League City in Galveston County, Texas, at the age of 79. His mortal remains were laid in the Fairview Cemetery in League City, Galveston County, Texas. Harriet (Thurman) Smithson died on Jan. 14, 1928 in League City, Texas on the Harris County side, and her mortal remains were laid beside those of her husband of 57 years in the Fairview Cemetery in League City, Texas. Her death certificate apparently states she was born in 1837.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants of the Smithson family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on William M. Smithson and the Smithson family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of William M. Smithson that have survived the years added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
William Manson (or Miller) Smithson was born on November 21, 1833 in Highland County, Ohio, one of two sons born to Edward Terrell Smithson and Elizabeth "Betsey" (Walter) Smithson. Edward Terrell Smithson was born Dec. 9, 1804, most likely in Virginia, the son of Samuel Smithson, who was born on March 3, 1779 in Virginia and who died c. August 1, 1831, very likely in Highland County, Ohio, and Mary "Polly" (Terrell) Smithson, who was born July 2, 1784 in Virginia and who died on May 31, 1865 in Highland County, Ohio at the age of 80 years, 10 months and 29 days. Mary Terrell Smithson's mortal remains were laid in the Auburn Cemetery in Highland County, Ohio.
Edward Terrell Smithson was married to Elizabeth "Betsey" Walter on December 27, 1832 in Highland Co., Ohio. Elizabeth was born on February 9, 1814, the daughter of John W. Walter, who was born on December 12/13, 1789 in Virginia and who died on Aug. 6, 1863 in Knox County, Illinois, and his first wife, Hannah (Sumner) Walter, who was born May 9, 1793 and who died on September 22, 1844. John W. Walter and Hannah Sumner were married on April 16, 1812 and ten children were born to them including;
1. Elizabeth "Betsey" Walter, born February 9, 1814.
2. William Jackson Walter, born December 10, 1815.
3. Thomas Richeson Walter, born September 30, 1817.
4. Jiney Walter, born October 20, 1820.
5. James R. Walter, born November 18, 1821.
6. Lettice Walter, born November 3, 1824.
7. John G. Walter, born October 9, 1827.
8. Bowarter Sumner Walter, born September 13, 1830.
9. Cynthia Walter, born March 8, 1833.
10. Richeson Carey Walter, born May 18, 1836.
Edward Terrell Smithson and Elizabeth (Walter) Walter are known to have had two children, William M. Smithson and John Walter Smithson, who was born on September 27, 1835 in Highland County, Ohio, before Edward Terrell Smithson died on October 21, 1836. There are people who believe that the Smithsons came west to Knox County, Illinois before his death. If he did die in Knox County, Illinois, then he could very likely have been buried in the Thurman (Bennington) Cemetery or in the Housh-Walter-Sumner Cemetery in Maquon Township of Knox County, Illinois. However, Betsey's uncle, Bowater Sumner, was serving as Surety on July 11, 1837, in Highland County, Ohio, when her father, John W. Walter was appointed Guardian of Edward and Betsey's sons, William M. Smithson, who was 3 at this time, and John W. Smithson, who was 18 months old at this time. John W. Walter definately brought the family west to Knox County, Illinois sometime before 1840, as he is found and his family are found in Knox County at the time of the 1840 census, but, I believe that this may not have occurred until 1838 or 1839. If Edward Terrell Smithson did die in Highland County, then his mortal remains may very well actually lie in the Auburn Cemetery near those of his parents.
Betsey (Walter) Smithson was married to Isaiah Stevenson on October 10, 1840 in Knox County, Illinois. One son, George K. Stevenson was born to them on Nov. 7, 1841 in Knox County, Illinois, but George died on Jun. 23, 1842 at the age of 7 months and 16 days and his mortal remains were laid in the Housh-Walter-Sumner Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
Elizabeth "Betsey" (Walter) Smithson Stevenson is known to have died shortly after this in the later half of 1842 or very early 1843 at the age of 28 years, __ months, and 14 days. Her mortal remains were also laid in the Housh-Walter-Sumner Cemetery near Maquon, Illinois. Betsey's death left William Mason Smithson and John Walter Smithson orphans and again, John W. Walter was appointed their Guardian here in Knox County, Illinois. Isaiah Stevenson died in 1848 and his mortal remains were laid in the Housh-Walter-Sumner Cemetery in Knox County.
John W. Walter was married to widow, Fanny (Marchant) Walter on January 23, 1848 in Knox County and one daughter, Hannah Jane Walter, was born to them on September 24, 1849. Hannah would eventually marry Franklin Davis, who had served with the Smithsons in Co. F of the 86th Illinois during the Civil War.
At the time of the 1850 census, William M. Smithson is found residing with grandfather, John W. Walter, John's 2nd wife, Fanny (Marchant) Thurman Walter, and their combined families in Knox County, Illinois. In the transcribed census that I found, William's age is given as 10, which is terribly wrong, as he would have been 16 at this time;
John W Walter M 60 Virginia
Fanny Walter F 43 Virginia
Bouater Walter M 19 Ohio
Cythia Ann Walter F 17 Ohio
Richason Walter M 13 Ohio
Hannah Walter F 0 Illinois
Wm M Smithson M 10 Ohio
Emily Thurman F 16 Illinois
Harriet Thurman F 14 Illinois
Henry B Thurman M 12 Illinois
Fanny Thurman F 10 Illinois
Thomas A Thurman M 8 Illinois
Alelissa Thurman F 6 Illinois
At the time of the 1850 census, John Walter Smithson, William's brother, is found residing with and working on the farm of his uncle, Thomas R. Walter, and his family in Knox County, Illinois;
Thos R Walter M 30 Ohio
Lettice Needles F 33 Ohio
Hannah E Needles F 4 Illinois
John W Smithson M 15 Ohio
On December 20, 1855, William M. Smithson was married to Harriet Thurman, his step grandmother's daughter, in Knox County, Illinois. Harriet was born on August 8, 1835/36/37 in Knox County, Illinois, the daughter of Mark Thurman and Fanny (Marchant) Thurman Walter and her first husband, Mark Thurman. Three children are known to have been born to William and Harriet. They are;
1. Velma Viola Smithson, born June 13, 1862; Velma was married to Alfred L. Smith on ___________ __, 18__ at ___________, ___________. At the time of the 1880 census, Velma and Alfred are found in David City, Butler County, Nebraska;
Self Alfred L Smith M 25 Austria
Wife Velma V Smith F 17 Illinois
Velma died on July 22, 1919 in Harris County, Texas; Listed as Velma V. Smith, her mortal remains were laid in the Fairview Cemetery in League City, Galveston County, Texas.
2. Alberta I. Smithson, born September 3, 1867; died on March 29, 1956.
3. Charles Fred Smithson, born August __, 1872; died sometime after 1930.
John Walter Smithson was married to Amanda F. Thurman on March 6, 1859 in Knox County, Illinois. Amanda Thurman was born on September 30, 1835 at Lancaster, Ohio in Fairfield County, the daughter of Elisha Thurman and Anna Bell (Hall) Thurman. Elisha Thurman, Mark Thurman's brother, is found in Knox County by 1837, where he settled in Maquon Township. So the Smithson brothers married Thurman cousins.
At the time of the 1860 census, William and his family are found in Maquon Township in Knox County, Illinois;
William M Smithson M 25 Ohio
Hariet Smithson F 24 Illinois
Mandana G Thurmen F 9 Illinois
At the time of the 1860 census, John and his family are found in Maquon Township in Knox County, Illinois as well;
J W Smithson M 26 Ohio
Amanda Smithson F 25 Illinois
Edward S Smithson M 1 Illinois
On August 2, 1862, William and John's uncle, Bowater Sumner Walter, and their uncle, Joel Darnell, who was married to one of Bowater's older sister, Cynthia, volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in the Maquon, Illinois area by a local Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burhalter for service in the Union Army. Future uncle, Franklin Davis, who would marry Bowater's baby 1/2 sister, Hannah Jane Walter, after the war, also volunteered to served in this Maquon company on August 2, 1862. Two days later on August 4, 1862, William and John's uncle and Bowater's brother, Cary R. Walter also volunteered to serve in the Maquon area company.
On August 5, 1862, William M. Smithson and John W. Smithson went into Maquon and also volunteered to serve in the Maquon area company, William as a Musician.
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Illinois Civil War Detail Report
Name SMITHSON, WILLIAM M Rank MUS
Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL
Age 29 Height 5' 11 Hair DARK
Eyes HAZEL Complexion FAIR
Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity HIGHLAND CO, OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 5, 1862
Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom J L BURKHALTER
Period 3 YRS Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom
Muster Out
Muster Out Where
Muster Out By Whom
Remarks DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY FEB 2, 1863 AT GALLATIN TENN
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, he was elected by the men of the Maquon company to be their Captain and Captain Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers were mustered in as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. John W. Smithson was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their 6th Corporal.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Three weeks later, the men of the 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in pursuit of Confederate troops. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade headed for Nashville, Tennessee, where they went would go into winter camp.
However, even before the men of McCook's Brigade had left Kentucky, many men were sick, the new lifestyle and new diet, not being conducive to good health. One of the men known to have been having trouble with his health was Corporal John W. Smithson, who had contracted Typhoid Fever. When the men of McCook's Brigade passed through Danville, Kentucky on or about the 14th of October of 1862, Corporal Smithson was left behind sick in the hospital there. The men of McCook's Brigade arrived in Bowling Green, Kentucky about October 31, 1862. From there the men passed through Gallatin, Tennessee before heading on to Nashville. Still more men were left behind sick at Gallatin. Two of those believed to have been left behind at Gallatin at this time were Private Bowater S. Walter and Musician William M. Smithson. The men of McCook's Briagde arrived in Nashville on November 7, 1862, taking up camp across the river in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Back in Danville, the army doctors did all they could for Corporal John W. Smithson, however, his condition continued to get worse and on November 18, 1862, Corporal John Walter Smithson succumbed to Typhoid Fever at the age of 27. His earthly remains were most likely initially buried in a Union burying ground in Danville area. But, his family is believed to have sent for his remains and today his earthly remains are believed to lie in the Thurman Cemetery in Knox County, Illinois. It would probably have been some time before Musician William M. Smithson found out about the passing of his brother.
In Gallatin, Tennessee, Private Bowater S. Walter and Musician William M. Smithson was having their own issues with his health. The army doctors did all they could for Bowater and William, but in January of 1863, made the decision that the best thing that they could do for them was to discharge them and send them home in hopes that with the help of family and some home cooking they could survive their ailment and regain their health. So, amazingly, and perhaps because they were uncle and nephew to each other, it appears they were both discharged from the service on February 2, 1863 from the army hospital at Gallatin and sent home. Once back home, with the help of family and that home cooking, William M. Smithson and Bowater S. Walter, not only survived their ailments, but went on to live long lives. See the Find A Grave sites of Bowater and Cary Walter for more information about them and their families.
At the time of the 1870 census, William M. Smithson and his family are found in ___________ County, Illinois;
Miller Smithson M 36 Ohio
Harriet Smithson F 34 Illinois
Viola Smithson F 8 Illinois
Alberta Smithson F 3 Illinois
Edward Wighter M 23 Illinois
Traukla Haaley M 18 Connecticut
Sometime between the 1870 census and 1872, the Smithsons moved west to Nebraska. At the time of the 1880 census, William M. Smithson and his family are found in David City in Butler County, Nebraska;
Self Wm M Smithson M 46 Ohio
Wife Hariet Smithson F 44 Illinois
Daughter Alberta I Smithson F 13 Illinois
Son Chas F Smithson M 8 Nebraska
At the time of the 1900 census, William and his family are found in Justice Precincts 6-7 in Galveston County, Texas. He and Harriet are listed as having been married 43 years at this time;
Head William M Smithson M Nov 1833 67 Ohio
Wife Harriet Smithson F Aug 1835 65 Illinois
Daughter Alberti I Smithson F Sep 1867 33 Illinois
Son Charles F Smithson M Aug 1872 28 Nebraska
At the time of the 1910 census, William and his family are found in Justice Precinct 6, Galveston County, Texas;
Head William M Smithson M 76 Ohio
Wife Harriet Smithson F 74 Illinois
Son Charles F Smithson M 37 Nebraska
Musician William Manson Smithson, of Co. F of the 86th Illinois is believed to have died on August 15, 1913, very likely in or near League City in Galveston County, Texas, at the age of 79. His mortal remains were laid in the Fairview Cemetery in League City, Galveston County, Texas. Harriet (Thurman) Smithson died on Jan. 14, 1928 in League City, Texas on the Harris County side, and her mortal remains were laid beside those of her husband of 57 years in the Fairview Cemetery in League City, Texas. Her death certificate apparently states she was born in 1837.
by Baxter B. Fite III
(Baxter would love to hear from anyone, especially descendants of the Smithson family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on William M. Smithson and the Smithson family. Baxter would also love to see copies of any photographs of William M. Smithson that have survived the years added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Inscription
Co. F. 86 Ill. Inf.
Gravesite Details
GAR member
Family Members
Spouse
Siblings
Half Siblings
Sponsored by Ancestry
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