George W. Autry Jr. was born February 19, 1835 in Benton Co. Alabama, he was son of Geo. W. & Mary Autry. He came to Texas with his family between 1846-1849. He married (1) Missouri A. Cornelia Reeves on February 19, 1857 in Cherokee County, TX., daughter of James & Ann J. Reeves.
George & Missouri Autry had 3 children; sons James Richard Autrey, born 23 Feb 1859 in New Salem, Rusk Co., TX ; deceased 17 Jun 1938 in Columbus, AR. John Lee Autrey , born 21 Nov 1865 in New Salem, Rusk Co., TX ; deceased 17 Dec 1907 in New Salem, Rusk Co., TX ; one daughter Frances Ann who married Lafayette Harmon. Lafayette was the son of John & Mahala Foreman Harmon. (They are buried at Cool Springs.)
G. W. had been enumerated in 1860 census just across the line in Cherokee County with his 1st wife and baby James Richard. However, George W. Autrey was mustered Sept 1861 with the New Salem Invincible of Rusk Co. This group of men, under the direction of Capt. James F. Wiggins, became Co. F, 7th Texas Cavalry.
The 7th Regiment Texas Cavalry claimed their first victory and continued to march on Santa Fe. The 7th Texas Cavalry was also responsible for later victories in Glorieta and at Johnson's Ranch.
A majority of the New Mexico Campaign was successful with one exception. Sibley hoped to acquire Union rations to feed his troops, however, prior to his defeat Canby destroyed all supplies that could fall into Confederate hands. With supplies dwindling and Union forces converging on New Mexico, the Confederate troops withdrew to Texas.
