Ira Smith mustered into the 9th Minnesota Infantry on August 19, 1862, as a private; on November 27, 1862, he was transferred to the non-commissioned staff as sergeant-major. The 9th Minnesota Infantry saw service in Minnesota before being assigned to duty as railroad guards in Missouri.

On February 15, 1864, Smith was discharged in order to serve in the 67th U. S. Colored Infantry; he was commissioned a first lieutenant on March 18, 1864, and served as the regiment’s adjutant. Smith was discharged on July 12, 1865, when the 67th U.S.C.I. was consolidated with the 65th U.S.C.I.

Carte-de-Visite by A. Paersch, Morganza, La.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 31960