My Abner H. Smith was born in Tennessee around 1823. He married Jane Dowdy of Perry County Tennessee around 1840. They migrated to Van Buren County around 1848. I believe that his parents were John and Mary Smith who also lived in Van Buren County as well as his Uncle Josiah Smith. He had several relatives that served and family stories suggesting that he did also. Relatives serving were: 1. Anderson Booker Smith (I believe his cousin) which has a posting by family on the net of one of his letters 2. Elias Smith, his brother 3. Joseph E. Smith, his son 4.Thomas J. Dowdy, his brother-in-law 5. Isaac and William Dowdy, his nephews who served for the North. He would have been the prime age about 36. His other son, John, twin to Joseph probably served but can't find him for sure. Abner was active in the Peace Society. His name was quoted as being one that read and swore people in. His father, John, was also quoted. I believe, that Abner lead a respectful life. He was a post master, overseer of roads, had property and paid taxes. There is a Hollow in the area that he lived that is named Ab Smith Hollow. I believe, that he was dead by 1872 because his property was probated. I could not find He or Jane, his wife, in 1870 census. I can only imagine what it was like to live in those times. Being a minatory in your beliefs and leaving your women, children and elderly undefended to fight must have a most difficult situation. I've thought outside the box all day long. Even before today I considered that he may have served for the North, but no luck there. I may be back to square one concerning his military service. I'm open to any one for help or suggestions. As mentioned earlied, I'm not opposed to thinking outside the box because many time new roads appear. I collect all information. Sometimes it helps to prove or disprove theories.
Thanks so much
Lora Kates McDaniel