Smith, Andrew Jackson
(born: September 3, 1843 - died: March 4, 1932)Born in Lyon County, KY, Smith's father and owner was Elijah Smith; his mother, Susan was also enslaved by Smith. At the age of 19 he ran away and became a servant of Major John Warner of the Union Army.
When Warner returned home to Clinton, IL, Smith went with him. Smith would leave Illinois to join the 55th Massachusetts Colored Volunteers, participating in the Battle of Honey Hill, SC; for the bravery he displayed in this battle he was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously in 2001. He was promoted to Color Sergeant and sent to Boston for his formal mustering out. After his discharge, Smith went back to Clinton and then returned to Eddyville, KY, where he bought and sold land in Between the Rivers*.
For more information see Andrew Jackson Smith, by Tim Talbott at Explore Kentucky History; see Andrew Jackson Smith at the Congressional Medal of Honor Society website; and Carrying the Colors: the life and legacy of Medal of Honor recipient Andrew Jackson Smith, by Beckman, MacDonald, Bowman, and Bowman.
* Between the Rivers is located in Lyon and Trigg Counties, KY, and Stewart County, TN.*
