Robert Smith McGaha

Robert Smith McGaha

 Robert Smith McGaha USA g2grandfather’s brother

Robert enlisted as a private in the 2nd Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry (Co. A) of the Union army (at age 29 married with 5 children) on 11/01/1862. While serving at Murfreesboro, TN, he was burned by a powder explosion in the face and eyes.  He contracted chronic diarrhea in New Orleans and was taken to McPherson Hospital in Vicksburg, Mississippi.  While at the hospital in Vicksburg, he also contracted ‘hemorrhage of the lungs.’  He was mustered out on account of his disability and was discharged on 05/24/1865 at Vicksburg.

Probable campaigns:  Murfreesboro, TN Dec 26-30 1862. Operations against Pegram Mar 22-Apr 2 1863. Franklin Apr 10 1863. McMinnville Apr 20-30. Tullahoma Campaign June 23-July 7 1863. Huntsville, Ala., July 13-22. Chickamauga Campaign Aug 16-Sept 2. Battle of Chickamauga Sept 19-21.  Anderson's Cross Roads Oct 2. Mossy Creek TN skirmish Jan 12, 1864.  Smith's Expedition to Okolona Miss. Feb 11-26 1864. Nashville TN Feb 27 and duty on line of Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad, and in District of North Alabama till Nov 1864. North Alabama June 24-Aug 20. Operations against Wheeler August-September 1864. Operations against Forest and Hood September 16-November 3. Nashville Campaign Nov-Dec 1864. Near Paint Rock Bridge December 7. Battle of Nashville December 15-16 1864. Pursuit of Hood to the Tennessee River December 17-28 1864.

Regiment lost during service 2 Officers and 14 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 208 Enlisted men by disease. Total 224.