Civil War Journey in Clarksville, Tenn.

Faces
Peay State University campus named in his honor.
Greenwood Cemetery.
Lt. Col. Ruben R. Ross, CSA
Born in Montgomery Co. Graduated
West Point in 1853 with classmates
Gen. John M. Schofield (USA),
Gen. John Bell Hood (CSA) and
other distinguished military leaders.
Resigned army in 1854 and served
as Clarksville Academy principal until 1861. After
failing to raise a local regiment, became captain of the
Maury County (Tenn.) Artillery. Early visionary who
strongly advocated formation of corps armed with
muskets, picks and shovels, widely adapted by end of
war. Commanded upper battery at Fort Donelson.
Captured and sent to St. Louis, where former classmate
Gen. Schofield procured his parole. Arrested for parole
violation but later exchanged. According to Confederate
War Department records, he received temporary
rank of Brig. Gen. Captured again in the latter part of
war, and escaped near Cincinnati by jumping from
moving train. Returning South, met former West
Point classmate, Gen. Hylan B. Lyon who persuaded
him to join cavalry raid into Ky. Mortally wounded in
Hopkinsville, December 1864, attempting to avoid
capture. Meriwether Cemetery, Todd County, Ky.
Edward B. Sayers, CSA
Hired by Jeremy Gilmer to build Clarksville’s
three forts. Became a Cpt. of Eng. under Gen.
Leonidas Polk.
Col. Arthur A. Smith, USA
Commander of 83rd Ill. Final commander over
Clarksville from September 1863 until end of war.
Brig. Gen. C. F. Smith, USA
From Philadelphia. Graduated
West Point in 1825 and returned as
instructor 1838-1842. Served under
Grant who had been his pupil at West
Point. At age 55, led his division on
successful attack of Fort Donelson.
Grant placed him in charge of occupied Clarksville
Feb. 24, 1862, but is reassigned weeks later to take
command at Forts Donelson, Henry and Heiman.
Dies in Savannah, Tenn., April 1862.
Mayor George Smith
Along with Cave Johnson and Judge Wisdom,
surrendered Clarksville to Flag Officer Andrew H.
Foote (USA) on February 19, 1862.
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