What I know about N.J. Smith from his service records that I was sent by the state archives is that he was in company B, 3rd MS infantry. He was wounded severely at the battle of Peach Tree Creek on July 20th, 1864 and died July 24th, 1864 in a Macon hospital.

What I know about Nimrod Smith is that he applied for a pension and headstone. According to his headstone application, he enlisted 10-1-1863 in company H, 3rd MS infantry. He was born 3-16-1848 (his headstone says 3-17-1847....either way he was young...15 or 16 when he enlisted). He died 12-30-1935. He also had two brothers, Thomas R. and John L. Smith, who fought for a Union unit based out of New Orleans. Tom signed as a witness on his pension application. The state archives could not find a service record for him, and he's not listed on any muster rolls I've seen. He's buried at Steep Hollow, Pearl River County....right down the road from me.

Nimrod and N.J can't be the same person because N.J. was killed and Nimrod survived the war.

So....
1) Nimrod and N.J. Smith are the same person but the records were mixed up and N.J.'s records are really A.J. Smith's records. Again, I wish I could get A.J.'s records.

2) Nimrod's service records were lost or destroyed

3) Nimrod lied about his service to the Confederacy to get the pension and really didn't fight.