Extra Billy Smith Bookmark

Front:

William Smith “Extra Billy Smith”
September 6, 1797 – May 18, 1887
Virginia State Senator – Virginia US Representative – Virginia Governor (Twice) – California ’49er – Colonel 49th Va. Infantry (Wounded 4 times) – Virginia CS Representative – CS Brigade & Major General Virginia Delegate.

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King George County, Virginia …

Front:

William Smith “Extra Billy Smith”
September 6, 1797 – May 18, 1887
Virginia State Senator – Virginia US Representative – Virginia Governor (Twice) – California ’49er – Colonel 49th Va. Infantry (Wounded 4 times) – Virginia CS Representative – CS Brigade & Major General Virginia Delegate.

Back:

King George County, Virginia born William Smith lived an incredibly life which this small space can barely touch upon. He became a lawyer in 1818 and opened a stage coach line to Georgia in 1826 which carried US Mail. His detractors gave him the title, “extra Billy” which he adapted as a complement. he was Governor of Virginia in 1846-1846, then left for California in 1849 to aid in the establishment of a political system of the soon to be State. As a Colonel of the 49th Va. Inf. he was wounded four times. He was not trained in military ways but was a natural leader of men. At Gettysburg he was the oldest General on the field. After the fall, Federal offered a $25,000 reward for his capture.