Albert Francis Smithson III was born on November 26,1826 to Albert Francis Smithson II and his wife Temperance, farmers in that region. Albert’s father, Albert Francis Smithson II, was born abt. 1795 in Bunscome Co., North Carolina. Albert’s grandparents were Albert Francis Smithson, born on October 10, 1764 in Warren County, Tennessee, his wife, Lina Neville, was born in England in 1766.

     On August 13, 1843, Albert Francis Smithson and Mary Lance joined in marriage in McCracken County, Kentucky. Marry, or “Polly” as she was known, was of Dutch descent and born as a twin. According to records, Albert was also a farmer.

     To Albert and Mary (Polly) Smithson were born 10 Children:

James K Polk Smithson, born November 21, 1844

Secant (F) Smithson, born November 8, 1846

Leander Smithson, born January 11, 1848

Joseph Lucien Smithson, born April, 24, 1850

John Franklin Smithson, born July 18, 1852

Matilda Sarah Ellen Smithson, born November 11, 1854

Nancy McDonald Smithson, born January 22, 1857

William Alexander Smithson, born March 27, 1859

Fleming Dudley Smithson, born August 27, 1860

Albert Francis Smithson IV, born September 24, 1863

     As time passed, Albert and Polly moved to Green County in Southwest Missouri, near Springfield. Later, they moved on to Barry County, just six miles east of Monet, Missouri when the Civil War broke out

     In March of 1862, Albert enlisted in the Federal Army, serving first in Captain Birch's Company "H", 14th MSM Cavalry. Following the disbandment of the 14th, Albert served with the 8th MSM Cavalry, Company "M". While serving in the 8th, his company took part in the capture of Lamar, Missouri. On Aug 7,1863, he and his company engaged Quantrill's Raiders in Barry County, Missouri and also in the near vicinity of his home. Albert was knocked from his horse when he was shot in the stomach. Following the battle, the fallen private was taken to his nearby home and Doctor Solon P. Abernisty was called by Lt. John R. Kelso to attend him. Being gut shot and medical science being crude at best, he survived for five (5) days in severe pain before passing away on Aug. 12, 1863, just one day before his and Polly’s 20th wedding anniversary. Albert would never be able to see his new son who would be born just 36 days later and named Albert Francis Smithson IV in his honor. Normally, the first born son would have this privilege of carrying his fathers name. Albert was reported to be 6' 2", dark complexion, dark hair and dark eyes.

     Albert’s civil war records state; “This brave and good soldier died of wounds received in battle, on the 7th day of Aug., 1863, while fighting like a hero in the glorious cause of the Union." It is difficult to imagine that Albert felt glorious about dying in such a way, leaving behind a pregnant wife and 7 children. It is also hard to imagine that Polly felt very glorious about her husbands death either.

     In 1866 Mary, with seven sons and one daughter, moved to Northwest Arkansas on Henderson Creek, Madison County, just 10 miles south of Huntsville, Arkansas. Polly passed on in the summer of 1907, probably worn out by fighting with the government for years for her paltry 5 to 8 dollars a month subsistence.

Writers Notes:
     What a sad time indeed. I have been to a lot of cemeteries in and around Berry and Greene Counties. and have been unable to locate a grave for him. There is no record of where he was buried or issuance of a military headstone in the archives. Albert looks more to be 30 than 40 from his photograph.

Conflicting dates for Albert Francis Smithson III are b. Nov. 22, 1824 and d. Aug. 4, 1863 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Written by: Barbara ( Bobbi ) Hammons, Davis

Roster Record 14th MSM	Affidavit of Death 8th MSM, by: Lt. Aug. 12, 1863	Attending Doctor's Affidavit January 9, 1864	Affidavit March 3, 1864	Casualty Report April 18, 1865

Researchers of Private Albert Francis Smithson, III
Barbara ( Bobbi ) Hammons, Davis
Jerry Davis

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