William Lenard Smith
By Julia Dean
Len Smith, we are so happy you left a few tracks to follow in your eventful life.
Your pension record from the Civil War and the 1900 census told us that you were born April 1845 or 1846 in Hamilton County, TN.
By 1849 your journey north had already begun as our younger brother, James, was born in Monroe County, TN per James pension record. We would sure like to know your parents, grandparents and early life.
Also your pension record told us that you were 5 ft 10 inches tall, age 18 at enlistment, eyes were blue and your hair and complexion fair.
Sometime between 1849 and 1850 you were traveling between TN and AR. That must have been exciting for you.
1860-You were listed in Tomahawk Twp., Searcy Co., AR. Your father was listed as Thomas and your mother as Elizabeth.
13 Jul 1861- You enlisted as a private with Confederate Company "H" at Yellville, AR.
4-7 Went from Bentonville, AR to Cassville, MO.
6-8 Mar 1862-According to family tradition was at the Battle of Pea Ridge, AR. Close to the MO border. There is a Military National Park there now.
31 Mar 1862-Desterted at Clarksville, AR. I have been told by James Johnston that since AR was a "slave" state, it was not unusual for people to be forced to join the Confederacy, then when they got a chance, deserted and joined the Union.
28 Aug 1862_Joined the Union, 1st Ark. Vol. Cavalry, Comp. K. Your brother, Jesse W. went with you in both the 14th Ark Infantry Confederate, and the 1st Ark Cavalry Union. Your younger brother, James M. enlisted in Company F. 46th Missouri Volunteer Infantry, 26 Aug 1864, for 6 months. This unit was composed mostly of Searcy County men from north of the Buffalo River.
1 Nov 1862-Transferred from Company "M" and was sent to Springfield, MO on duty.
Dec 1862-absent
28 Feb 1863-present
30 Apr 1863-absent with leave
30 Jun 1863-on forage duties
31 Aug 1863-drving team to APL
30 Jun 1864-In confinement-Awaiting trial by GCM for desertion. Had gotten shot in leg. Was in hospital at Fayetteville, AR.
23 Aug 1865-Released at Fayetteville, AR. YOU SURVIVED THE CIVIL WAR! What experiences you must have had that we know nothing about!
14 Sep 1865-(If the marriage record enclosed is yours) you were married to Roxey/Rozey E. Potter in Webster Co., MO. Your pension record says her name was Ellen Potter. However, pension records also say her maiden name was Harbert.
Jun 170-You are listed with your wife and children still in Tomahawk twp., Searcy Co., AR (De, Nancy Elizabeth and Perry) and a boy named John Potter, age 7, who was probably your step-son. If we hadn’t gotten your pension record what a lot we would have missed.
Later in the year 1870, your wife Ellen passed away and is buried in Mario Co., AR per your pension record.
13 Jun 1871-per James M.’s pension record, you married Ellen’s sister, Martha Alberta Harbert, in Searcy County. Your pension record states, "you got too intimate" and if you didn’t marry she would set the law on you.
1880-Living in Watercrick twp., Marion Co., AR lists Martha as your wife with children, (see family group sheet) and Elmira Dillard in household as servant.
Jul 1883-You applied for a pension. You were living at Green Forest, Carroll Co., AR
15 Dec 1889-Married at Springfield, Mo., Elmira Dillard. How did you go? Was it by the new train line or was it horse and buggy? Maybe even wagon?
1894-Mt. Vernon, Lawrence Co., MO-Martha applied for and received a divorce. She was then married to your brother, James M., who later died in Los Angeles Co., CA.
1900-Carroll Co., AR-You and Elmira had Doc Dillard and Lizzie’s twins, Ira and Roy with you. The census taker messed up the spelling of Ira’s name. Where they just staying for a short visit?
23 Oct 1907-You had been an "invalid" for fourteen years and the past eight to nine months had been ill. With Elmira taking care of you and J. T. Keeling (a cousin) your physician. This date marked the close of your varied life. You passed away at Sylvia, Marion Co., AR (now Mull). A military marker was placed at your gravesite (DeSoto Cemetery).