Submitted by Williamm W Loudermilk
James J. Short was born 30 May 1844 in Jasper, Walker Co., Alabama.
When the Civil War began we don't know what he did from 1861 till he signed in Co."I" 1st Ala. Vol. Cav. from Nov. 6th 1864 to April 1865, then was trainsfered May 15, 1865 to First Reg. of Alabama Volinter Cavalry, Union Army in Ohio Company H, in Huntsville AL. and Pvt. James J. Short was discharged Aug. 15 1865; Nashville, TN.
While in the army he was a wagon driver, he was thrown from a wagen when the horse ran away. It broke his hip and leg and he drew a pension from the Union the rest of his life.
He travailed to Alabama and was married to Malissa Quinn 9 October 1865 at Jasper, Walker Co., Alabama by a J.P. They would eventually have five children.
Being a Union sympathizer he chose to sleep in the woods during the day and would travel only at night while in the Southern states.
He was a "hell, fire & brimstone" Christian minister for 45 years.
He died 17 May 1932 in Midland, Sebastian Co., AR.
Service records compiled by Glenda Todd and used with her permission. This and other information about the history of the First and the men who fought with the unit
can be found in her book, First Alabama Cavalry, USA: Homage to Patriotism.