Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. He begin his Union army service when when was commissioned Captain, Company A, 11th Illinois Volunteer Infantry on May 14, 1861. The regiment served for three months, then was mustered out on July 30, 1861. However, it was reorganized as a three-year enlistment unit, and Smith D. Atkins was re-commissioned as Captain of Company A once more. Promoted to Major, Field and Staff, on February 15, 1862, he served time as member of the staff of Brigadier General Stephen A. Hurlbut before resigning in April 1862 because of issues of health. He reentered the Union Army on September 4, 1862 as Colonel and commander of the 92nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry. In February 1863 he would be advance to command a brigade of infantry, and later would be given command of a cavalry brigade in the Army of the Tennessee. After participating in the celebrated "March to the Sea" by the army commanded by Major General William T. Sherman, he saw the war to its conclusion, and was honorably mustered out on June 21, 1865. He was brevetted Brigadier General, US Volunteers on January 12, 1865, and Major General, US Volunteers on March 15, 1865 for "gallant and meritorious services".
Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. He begin his Union army service when when was commissioned Captain, Company A, 11th Illinois Volunteer Infantry on May 14, 1861. The regiment served for three months, then was mustered out on July 30, 1861. However, it was reorganized as a three-year enlistment unit, and Smith D. Atkins was re-commissioned as Captain of Company A once more. Promoted to Major, Field and Staff, on February 15, 1862, he served time as member of the staff of Brigadier General Stephen A. Hurlbut before resigning in April 1862 because of issues of health. He reentered the Union Army on September 4, 1862 as Colonel and commander of the 92nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry. In February 1863 he would be advance to command a brigade of infantry, and later would be given command of a cavalry brigade in the Army of the Tennessee. After participating in the celebrated "March to the Sea" by the army commanded by Major General William T. Sherman, he saw the war to its conclusion, and was honorably mustered out on June 21, 1865. He was brevetted Brigadier General, US Volunteers on January 12, 1865, and Major General, US Volunteers on March 15, 1865 for "gallant and meritorious services".
Bio by: RPD2
Inscription
First soldier to enlist for the Civil War in Stephenson County, ILL.
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