James Argyle Smith (July 1, 1831 – December 6, 1901) was a United States Army officer, and a graduate of West Point. He is known for being a Confederate brigadier general during the Civil War, his works in the educational system in Mississippi, and in the Bureau of Indian Affairs.[1]
Early life and career
James Smith was born on 1 July 1831 in Maury County, Tennessee.[2] He went to West Point, graduated in 1853, and became a second lieutenant in the infantry.[3] Smith served in various posts in the west including the Jefferson Barracks Military Post. Smith fought at the Battle of Ash Hollow against the Sioux in 1855.[4] Then from 1857 to 1858, Smith fought in the Utah War against the Mormons.[4] One year after returning from the Utah War Smith was promoted to a first lieutenant. In May 1861 Smith resigned his commission to join the Confederate Army.[5]
Civil War service
Smith joined the Confederate Army in 1861 with the rank of lieutenant.[5] In March 1862 he became a major and the adjutant-general to General Leonidas Polk.[6] At the Battle of Shiloh Smith became the lieutenant-colonel of the Second Tennessee Infantry Regiment.[4] General Bushrod Johnson commended Smith on his bravery at the Battle of Perryville and he was put in command of the 5th Confederate Infantry.[6] His bravery was also noticed at the Battle of Murfreesboro by both General Cleburne and General Leonidas Polk.[4] After his performance at the Battle of Chickamauga and the praise he received from Polk, Smith was promoted to brigadier general.[6] At the Battle of Missionary Ridge General Smith attacked Sherman's flank preventing the Union Army of blocking off General Bragg's retreat.[4] During the Battle of Missionary Ridge Smith was shot through both thighs while leading his men.[5] After recovering Smith fought at the Battle of Atlanta where his brigade captured fifteen artillery pieces. During this battle he was wounded again.[5] He was under the command of Cleburne at the Second Battle of Franklin, and after Cleburne's death Smith took over command at Nashville.[6] General Smith and General William Bate led Cheatham's corps at the Battle of Bentonville.[4]
Postbellum career and death
After starting a farm in Mississippi Smith was elected the Mississippi State Superintendent of Public Education from 1878 to 1886.[1] He then became an agent of the Bureau of Indian Affairs from 1893 to 1897.[1] He later become the Marshal of the Supreme Court of Mississippi.[1] James Argyle Smith died on December 6, 1901, in Jackson, Mississippi and was buried at the Greenwood Cemetery there.[5]
United States of America
Confederate States of America
United States Army
Confederate States Army
First Lieutenant (USA)
Brigadier General (CSA)
