CONFEDERATE BIOGRAPHY:  JAMES PATRICK BEAIRD - Smith County, TX

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Submitted by Mary Love Berryman - marylove@tyler.net
7 September 2001
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TEXANS WHO WORE THE GRAY by Sid S. Johnson

JAMES P. BEAIRD

James Patrick Beaird was born in Bibb County Ala., on Nov.10, 1829.  
He removed with his fathers family to Texas early in 1846.  In the 
spring of 1849 when near the age of 18, he in company with one hundred 
men made the ov­erland trip to California, seek­ing the New Eldorado.  
Returned to Texas and joined his fathers family at Tyler, Texas. 
Enlisted in Co. D 15th Texas Infantry, commanded by Col. J. W. Speight, 
as a private, but was soon made a Lieu­tenant and by promotion was made 
1st Lieutenant of his company. He was severely wound­ed in the thigh at 
Yellow Bayou, Louisiana, where he displayed conspicuous gallantry.  He 
participated in the campaigns of his regiment, brigade and division; 
was noted for bravery and faithful duty.  At the close of the war he 
returned home and settled down to business and was soon a leading man 
in the affairs of his community.  In 1880 he was married to Miss Kate 
Baggerly of Tyler, Texas, who was the daughter of Rev. Baggerly a 
prominent Baptist minister.  His widow survives him.  He was a brave 
soldier, a good citizen and a Christian gentleman.