James and Robert Smithey, brothers, were killed in Civil War fighting at Baker's Creek, Mississippi, May 16, 1863.

Their parents were living in Murray County, Georgia, when the 1850 Census was taken. The Census taker, mistakenly spelled the family name as Smitha, as he recorded the following information

John Smithey, age 43, born in SC;

Malinda Smithey, age 42, born in SC;

Jeremiah Smithey, age 18, born in GA;

Caroline Smithey, age 21, born in GA;

John Smithey, age 15, born in GA;

James Smithey, age 13, born in GA;

Mary A. Smithey, age 11, born in GA;

Robert Smithey, age 6, born in GA;

Nancy Smithey, age 4, born in GA;

June Smithey, age 2, born in GA.

When the 1860 Census was taken, Malinda, the mother, was listed as head of the household. Jeremiah, James, and Robert enlisted in the Confederate Army, Co. H, 36 Georgia Cummings Brigade, in April 1862. Their company participated in military engagement at Richmond, Kentucky, August 29-30, 1862; Vicksburg, Mississippi, March 29 through May 18, 1863; and at Baker's Creek, Mississippi, May 16, 1863. Both James and Robert A. Smithey were killed at Baker's Creek, May 16, 1863. Jeremiah survived that battle and remained with Co. H.

 

Murray County Families