James W. Highsmith was a Private in the Indian Wars, assigned to  Capt. Walker's Regt.   He was born in 1803 and died cir 1877.  He was married to Elizabeth.  Both are buried at Highsmith Cemetery.

Military service researched and stone ordered by Ms Gaynell H. Sasser. Installed by Jerry Van Herrin and Art Keene

James was born abt. 1803 in Pitt County, N.C. to Jacob Highsmith.  James married Elizabeth Willis January 1, 1833 in Tattnall County, GA.  Elizabeth was b. 1802 in Georgia .  The death dates are unknown for James and Elizabeth.

 James Highsmith held public office in his adopted state & county for many years.  His first was that of Justice of the Peace in the 335^th District, 1829-1837 and again 1845-1849; Sheriff, 1832-1834; Justice of Inferior Court 1839-1845; and again 1852-1854; Clerk of Superior Court for about fourteen years prior to his death.  He also had the following Militia Service: Captain of the 335^th District Militia, 1830-1836, 2^nd Corporal in Captain James Walker’s Militia Company in 1838 in the Indian Wars; and Major of the 7^th Battalion 1841-1851.

 Mr. Highsmith was a member of the Primitive Baptist Faith at Smyrna Church and was an Ordained Minister, serving several churches.  He and his wife were buried in the Highsmith Cemetery in Waynesville; their graves are unmarked, and the exact death is not known of Mr. & Mrs. Highsmith cannot be certain.  Children of James Highsmith and Elizabeth Willis Highsmith:

 1) Jasper Newton Highsmith b. 1833 d. 1903 m. Amarintha Parker b. 1840; They are buried in Highsmith Cemetery.

2) George W. Highsmith b. 1836 d. unk m. Millie E. Highsmith 1878; b. December 12, 1855 d. 1891

3) Sarah b. 1838 d. died young

4) Henry H. Highsmith b. 1841 d. unk m Luvinia Gardner May 19, 1864

5) James Highsmith Jr. b 1844 m Eliza Sweat moved to Waycross in early marriage.

6) Amanda Elizabeth Highsmith b. October 12, 1847 d. October 18 1926 .  She married Timothy McSweeney April 16, 1867 .  They are buried in Highsmith Cemetery .  Children of Amanda Highsmith and Timothy McSweeney are Maude, Rose and Lilla McSweeney.  There may have been more children but these three are all I have.  These three daughters are buried in Highsmith Cemetery .

Return to Index of New Grave Markers for Military Veterans

  "