Nannie Bigham Yarbrough on war record of James Swan Bigham.
"In 1859 went into Ranger service with John Henry Brown.
In 1860 joined R. M. Halley's Company (ordereed by the conventionwhen state seceded). Served three months and then joined Confederateservice under Capt. Green Davidson (he served under Col. Henry E.McCollough) First Texas Cavalry as Lieut.--After Davidson's death on theColorado served under Capt. R. M. Myers (who took Davidson place). WhenMyers was promoted to Colonel, Lieut. James S. Bigham was made Capt. (onthe Rio Grande above Brownsville at Caricitas Lake). Served on the GulfCoast from there to Louisiana and served in La. until close of war.Wounded in Battle of Mansfield. La. 1861 near Ft. Clark on the NuecesRiver battle with deserters and jayhawkers (Dutch).
Early in 61 at head of Colo. River on the plains fight with Indians andCapt. Davidson killed. 1864 Battle of Mansfield and Pleasant Hillwounded at Peach Tree Hill between Mansfield and Pleasant Hill. Shot inthigh and stayed in Mansfield about six weeks. There took charge of myCompany and went to Opalousas (Commanding Officer detached service-100picked men) Went on crutches several month after return to service.Stayed in Opalousas several months hunting for deserters and conscripts.From Opalousas ordered back to Regiment at Nachitoches on the Red Riverfrom there to Mansfield then ordered to San Antonio to be mustered outbut got to Corsicana and disbanded and I brought my company to Belton andturned them loose.
Family story told by Y. P. Yarbrough Sr. and Jr. which is apparently true.
After the war during the Reconstruction, James Swan Bigham blamed theMayor of Belton for his father's death. The Mayor of Belton was ofcourse a Union Army Officer. James met the Mayor in City Hall and shothim and his two body guards dead. He then got out of town quickly andhid in the country side until a circuit riding judge came to town. DuringReconstruction, the only government officials who were not Yankees werethe judges. He met the circuit rider on his way into Belton andrequested a "fair" trial, which the judge granted. At the trial, thecourtroom was packed with friends and relatives of James all armed withpistols. James was exonerated of the crime.
Emma is on 1860 census and not 1870. May have died since 1900 census ofHill Co. shows mother as having 5 children and 3 living.
May have died before 1870 census.
Information on family from 1880 Missouri census, Laclede Co.
Served as Councilman in Bell Buckle, Tn.
Not shown on 1900 census. Wife and children on W.R. Freeman census.
Died Young
Died Young