1st Alabama Cavalry - Est. 1862
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It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Glenda McWhirter Todd. She passed away on September 3, 2017 surrounded by her family. She was a historian, genealogist, and author who prided herself on being a descendant of Andrew Ferrier McWhirter of the 1st Alabama Cavalry, USV. Her work over the past two decades and her dedication to the 1st Alabama Cavalry has created a legacy that will last for years to come.

Her life's work has touched thousands of people through the years, and I am glad that I had the pleasure to work with her as long as I did. My hope is that her work will live on for years to come to educate and inspire a new generation.


Obituaries of Troopers from the 1st Alabama

Tombstone Combined Service Record

Dallas B Smith
Submitted by Linda Ayres

Opelika News Captain Dallas Burton Smith, postmaster of Opelika for twenty years died at his home her Saturday evening at about 5 o'clock from locomotors ataxia and complications.

The News of his death, a prominent citizen was a sad shock to the family and many friends throughout the state.

Captain Smith was born Nov 19, 1844 near Wedowee Randolph County, being 69 years old at the time of his death. He was married Nov 8, 1866 to Miss Mary Josephine Bingham of Talladega Alabama. Who precedes her husband to the grave several years.

Captain Smith came to Opelika after the war in 1865 in charge of Freedmen's Bureau of the Untied States Government. He later engaged in the mercantile business in 1866 with his brother having the largest store in the city, located where Collin's garage is now. He was in the business until it was destroyed by fire then traveled on the road until his appointment by President Harrison of Opelika in 1889.

Captain Smith served as Postmaster of this city twenty years under the administration of President Harrison from 1889-1892, McKinley from 1897 to 1901, Roosevelt from 1901-1909, Taft from 1909-1913 and being recently appointed by President Taft.

Captain Smith's record as postmaster of Opelika was an enviable one, the business at the local office under his administration being one continued growth and all records kept neatly and in prefect condition.

Captain Smith served in the Federal Army, being the youngest child in a family of seven boys and two girls, all of the boys serving in the Federal Army. At the age of 17 years he volunteered his service in the war. At age 18 was appointed first Lieutenant and at the end of the war held the rank of Captain. He helped organize the 1st Regiment at Huntsville under the command of Col. George E. Spencer serving under General Dodge.

The deceased was a brother of the late William H. Smith, governor of Alabama after the war, and one of the late Captain John O.D. Smith, both on the staff of General Sherman in the war.

Captain Smith was a member of the Elks, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the U.S. and the Birmingham Camp G.A.R.

The surviving relatives are: Two daughters and two sons, Mrs. W.D. Varner and Miss Effie Smith, Messer Arthur and Dallas Burton Smith Jr.

Two brothers and one sister survive: Jim Smith of Wedowee, Andrew Smith of Gorman Texas and Mrs. Nancy Holmes of Milner Randolph County.

The funeral services were held at the residence at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon, the Episcopal burial service being used. The officiating ministers were: Dr. McNeill, Dr. Hurt and Dr. Baker. There were many beautiful floral tributes from the lodge, post office force and friends in the city and many parts of the state.

Honorary pallbearers were: Judge J.B. Lyons, L.F. Dickson, J.H. Purnell, H.M. Wilson, John Smith and T.C.G. Greene. The active pallbearers were: E.F. Pearson, T.H. Fallaw, W.P. Edwards and Otto Losson.

Interment was at the City Cemetery.

Database created and maintained by Ryan Dupree.

Service records compiled by Glenda Todd and used with her permission. This and other information about the history of the First and the men who fought with the unit can be found in her book, First Alabama Cavalry, USA: Homage to Patriotism.

If you would like to contribute to our collection, please feel free to contact us.

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