26th Texas Cavalry

William Staines was born in England around 1822. Little is known about his early life, who his parents were or exactly when and where he was born. He left the U.K. for America, landing in New York. He would eventually leave New York for his health and immigrated to Galveston Texas. He set foot on the island on Dec. 22, 1840. He applied for a 4th class land grant and quickly sold it. He would later buy some city property. His activities during the early 1840's are unclear. He married Anna Maria Smith on July 5, 1849 in the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Two children were born, Marion Smith Stines in 1850 and Anna Maria born in 1853. Staines enlisted in the Confederate service on Sept. 22, 1861. He would become a private in Company C. of DeBray's 26th Texas cavalry. He was present at the Battles of Galveston, Mansfield and Pleasant Hill. He was assigned to the regimental teamsters because of his age. He suffered from rheumatism for most of his service. He was killed 'by accident' on July 22, 1864 while DeBray's men were in the swamps of Louisiana. Nothing is known about the exact cause of death or burial. His widow would marry Frederick Wolfean in 1870. Anna divorced Wolfean in 1890. She died in Chambers County Texas on Jan. 22, 1901.

Born 14 Feb. 1839, Kemper Co., Mississippi. Died 13 March 1878.

Born 11 June 1830, Alabama. Died 9 April 1882, Leon Co., Texas.

Born 9 Dec. 1840, Kemper Co., Mississippi.

John was born 24 Aug 1820 in Greene Co. Alabama. He enlisted May 1862 at Madisonville, Madison Co. Texas. In DeBray's Regiment / Davis' Mounted Battalion. He was about 42 years old. This was when the Battalion was upgraded to Regiment. He only has 2 CMR's in his archival file. However his pension application provides additional info. Col DeBray was a former French military officer and this unit was considered one of the best trained Regiments in Texas. They were assigned to protect the state coastline and eventually went into Louisiana and fought in the Red River Campaign. He died 10 Jan 1897 and is buried on his family farm in the Cammack Cemetery beside his wife Mary Maggie Hendricks. Who was my 3rd cousin 4 x removed.

Born October 1841 Enlisted in Hockley, Tx on December 4, 1861 Died in service on February 1, 1863

Born May 1835 Enlisted in Hockley, Tx on December 4, 1861 Served duration of war.

L.L Prouty also served in the 9th Texas infantry (Nichol's), Atchison's company, 2nd Lt.

Formed Company 'H' out of Magnolia, Texas. Fought at the Battle of Galveston under Gen. X.B. Debray.

James was born in Pike Co. Mississippi 1846 and died 24 July 1935 in Soda, Polk Co. Texas. His data comes from his CSA pension which he applied for from the aforesaid place on 5 Aug 1909. He volunteered at age 18 joining at Alexander La. in Co I 26th Regiment Myer's [DeBray's] Regiment Cavalry. He was home on leave and on the way back to his command when word came that the war was over. He fought skirmish at Galveston, Tx, Red River Campaign in Louisiana with battles at Crump's Hill, Pleasant Hill, Sabine Cross Roads, Mansfield, Natchitoches, Mansura, Yellow Bayou and others. The command disbanded in May of 1865 and most stayed in unit to defend the towns against bands of deserters who were active in the area. They surrendered 2 June 1865 at Gavalston. James and his wife Mary A Williams are buried at Bluff Creek Cem. Livingston, Polk Co. Texas

My G-G-Grandfather fought in the Battle at Mansfield, LA. He lived in the Cherokee Nation after the War and is buried near Braggs, OK.

Wife's 2g grandfather