THE SMITH BROTHERS OF COLUMBUS COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

Permission given by Dr. Jerome Smith (gsmith@weblnk.net). 
Postal address is P.O. Box 28 Hallsboro, NC 28442. 
I have made this as my contribution to The USGenWeb Project.
Transcribed by Dr. Jerome Smith of Hallsboro, NC. September, 1997.


THE SMITH BROTHERS

Five Brothers went off to War, only one came back home...



SPENCER SMITH

     Spencer Smith (1841-1862) was born in Pitt County, North Carolina.
He was the son of John Henry Smith (b. 1793) and wife Gatsey (b. 1804).
John Henry Smith lived in the Burney District of Pitt County, where he 
worked as a farmer. Spencer Smith's siblings included Reuben (b. 1826),
Morgan (1833-1864), Belinda (b. 1835), Bracey (1838-1865) and Sparkman 
(1843-1863). 


     By 1853, Spencer, Morgan, Bracey and Reuben moved to Columbus 
County. All four of the brothers worked as coopers in a shop 
near Lake Waccamaw. Also, all four brothers married Columbus County 
girls. 


     Spencer Smith married Dorthea Duncan in 1855. Dorcas Duncan's 
father was Moses Duncan, who help found Duncan Chapel (Lebanon United 
Methodist Church). Spencer and Dorthea's children included Moses Alva 
(b.1858) and John Kelly (b. 1859). 



     Spencer Smith joined the 8th Regiment, Company H, Columbus County 
Guards No. 1, North Carolina Infantry. The 8th Regiment became the 18th
Regiment North Carolina Infantry on November 14, 1861. He enlisted at
Camp Wyatt on June 15, 1861 in Wilmington, N.C. 



     Action included the Battle of Hanover Court House on May 28, 1862,
the Battle of Mechanicsville on June 14, 1862, the Battle of Gaines
Mill on June 27, 1862 and he was mortally wounded at the Battle of 
Frayser's Farm on June 30, 1862 and later died July 18, 1862 at 
Chimborazo Hospital No. 2 in Richmond, Virginia with gunshot wounds to
his side and arm. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Richmond in 
Grave #50, Row M, Division C. An official veteran's marker was placed 
on his grave and a proper ceremony performed April 28, 1990 at 11:00 
A.M. by the Reverend Jerome Smith (3rd Great Grandson). The scripture 
was taken from Psalm 90. 



MORGAN SMITH 


     Morgan Smith married Elizabeth Hinson (b. 1825). Elizabeth 
Hinson's father was Everett Hinson (b. 1808). Morgan and Elizabeth's 
children included George L. (b. 1854), Everett (b. 1857), and Pinkney 
(b. 1858). Morgan Smith was appointed road overseer in 1859 for a 
portion of the road between Whiteville and Gum Swamp. 

     Morgan Smith served in Company D, 6th Regiment North Carolina 
Troops. He fought at many battles including Seven Days, Second Manassas
and Gettysburg. He was taken prisoner at Winchester, Virginia on July
20, 1864 and placed at Camp Chase, Ohio, where he died of 'variola' on
January 20, 1865. He is buried there.


REUBEN SMITH


     Reuben Smith married Naomi Hinson (b. 1826). Naomi's parents were 
Joshua Hinson and Lucy Sikes Kemp. Reuben and Naomi's children included
Silvestor (b. 1854), Virginia (b. 1857) and Florilla (b. 1859). 

     Reuben Smith served in McDugald's Company, RailRoad Guard North 
Carolina Troops. He served and returned home, the only Smith brother to
do so. 


BRACEY SMITH 

     Bracey Smith married Eliza Benton (1837-1924). Eliza Benton's
parents were Isaac (b. 1790) and Mary (b.1807) Benton. 

     Bracey Smith served in Company G, 51th Regiment North Carolina 
Troops. He was taken prisoner and placed at Elmira, N.Y., where he died 
in 1864 of disease. 


SPARKMAN SMITH

     Sparkman Smith did not move to Columbus County with his brothers, 
but stayed in Pitt County, NC with his parents John Henry and Gatsey 
Smith.

     Sparkman Smith was the youngest of the brothers. He joined Company
E, 2nd Regiment North Carolina Troops and died of fever on September 
29, 1862 at Culpepper Court House, Virginia.