Smithson Headstone

Brothers,

I am pleased to inform you that the Smithson headstone in the Fairview Cemetery in League City has been reset and is properly placed back in its place over the grave of our Union Civil War Veteran; Wm. Smithson of Company F of the 86th Illinois Infantry Regiment. I have attached a photo of the headstone.

On an interesting note: When I checked the headstone a couple weeks ago I found a second US Flag next to it although the headstone had not been reset yet. Upon further investigation, I found that the second flag had been removed from the headstone from another nearby Union Veteran’s grave: Thomas W. Reeves Co. E of the 1st Alabama Cavalry Regiment. I have also attached a photo of the Reeves Headstone.

I believe that it was removed from the Reeves Headstone by someone that believes that the 1st Alabama Cavalry was a Confederate Cavalry Regiment. There are numerous Confederate Veterans buried in this cemetery also.

When I checked the U.S. Parks Service Civil War Database, I found that the 1st Alabama Cavalry Regiment was indeed a Union Cavalry Regiment and that Private Thomas W. Reeves was indeed on the roster in Company E. Someone mistakenly removed the U.S. Flag from his headstone thinking that he was a Confederate Veteran in the 1st Alabama Cavalry Regiment which they believe was a Confederate Cavalry Regiment although the headstone is clearly a Union Veteran Headstone.

On another interesting note: While I was taking the pictures of the headstones, Norma found a most interesting headstone. It is the headstone of the widow of  Col. James Huston of the 82nd New York Vol. We were unable to find Col. Huston’s headstone in the cemetery but thought it was quite interesting that his widow was buried here. I have also attached a photo of her headstone. When we got home I checked the Park Service’s Database, and did indeed found Col. James Huston in Company E of the 82nd New York Infantry Regiment. He was mustered into the unit as a Captain and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. With further research I found that he was killed in action at the battle of Gettysburg on July 2, 1863.

Respectfully submitted and Yours always in Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty,

Bill Pollard