SMITH, NAPOLEON FRENCH (1840~1911) Napoleon French Smith, Confederate veteran, was born in Guadalupe County, Texas in 1840, to William Garrett Smith and Mary Ann Tadlock. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Smith enlisted as a private in Company K of the 8th Texas Infantry.
The 8th Texas was organized in the summer of 1862, when the 8th Texas Infantry Battalion and Shea's Texas Artillery Battalion were consolidated. The unit was involved in engagements mostly in Texas, but participated in the Battles of Mansfield and Pleasant Hill in Louisiana. Throughout the war, the number of troops significantly dwindled. By June 2, 1865, when the unit surrendered, there were only a handful of men remaining.
There is not much of a record illustrating Smith's military service, but it appears he reenlisted with the 8th Texas Infantry on May 21, 1864. After reenlisting, Smith was listed as sick and in a hospital in Galveston. The Medical Board, on September 6 had him hospitalized, where it appears he spent the remainder of his service, until he was finally discharged on January 11, 1865.
After being discharged, Smith returned to Guadalupe County, where he continued to live with his parents. Having never married, he immigrated with them, circa 1890, to Ballinger, Runnels County.
Following his parent's deaths, Smith, on September 26, 1904, moved to Austin to live in the Confederate Men's Home. He remained in the Home until his death on March 12, 1911.
Information taken from: Compiled Military Service Record; Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System website at www.itd.nps.gov/cwss; Confederate Home Roster; and materials provided by descendant, Carolyn A. Oldfather. |
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