WYLIE, JAMES R. (1844-1930) ~ James R. Wylie, Confederate Veteran, was born in Munroe County, Peterstown, West Virginia on August 28, 1844, to James Wylie and Helena Perry, both of West Virginia.
On September 1, 1863, Wylie mustered into Company F of the 26th Virginia Cavalry. The 26th, originally called the 46th Battalion Virginia Cavalry, consolidated and formally became known the 26th on February 9, 1865. His brother, William P. Wylie, also served in the war as a member of Bryan's Battery of the Breckenridge Division in the army of Virginia, and he too is buried in the Texas State Cemetery. J.R. Wylie‘s unit served under W.L. Jackson and fought various conflicts in the Shenandoah Valley. Corporal J.R. Wylie was honorably discharged in April of 1865, at the time of General Lee‘s surrender.
Wylie returned home to Peterstown, where he worked as a farmer and went to school. He lived there from 1865 to 1871. In 1872, he came to Texas, settling in Matagorda County. Between 1872 and 1899, he married Bettie Smith. She was born to Elizabeth Smith in August of 1855, in Missouri. Bettie and James were living with her mother in 1900, in Matagorda County, Texas working the farm. Bettie had two sisters living with her as well, Sallie Smith and Addie Coble. Bettie also had a four year old niece, Marissa Coble. There is not any evidence of Bettie and J.R. having children of their own.
It is assumed that from 1900 to 1917, J.R. and Bettie lived in Matagorda County. In February of 1917, Wylie moved to Hays County, San Marcos, Texas where he stated he had no occupation and owned nothing. From 1917 to 1929, Wylie‘s occupation and whearabouts are unknown.
On May 4, 1930, Wylie moved to Travis County, Austin, Texas to the Confederate Men‘s Home. By this time, Bettie had already passed. J.R. Wylie died at the home just twenty days later on May 24, 1930, and is buried in the Texas State Cemetery.
Sources: Death Certificate 6842; Pension Application 34966; http://www.itd.nps.gov; Military Records of Wylie, James R.; Confederate Home Roster 177-24; 1900 US Census Matagorda Texas.
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