Company I was formed basically from men from Dallas, Collin and Henderson Counties between Sep 8-12, 1861 at the fairgrounds in North Dallas. Unit moved to near McKenney to complete muster and fitting out. Most of the unit including Capt Henry W. Bridges had just returned fron duty as Rangers in the Indian Territory. Unit moved to Flat Rock, Missouri, for winter quarters. In Dec sent to Ft Gibson, IT for duty against Union Indians. Many sick but about 40 fought against the Indians. There next battle was at Elkhorn Tavern (Pea Ridge), Arkansas. They were then dismounted and by May designated as a Sharpshooter Company. Bridges was promoted to Major and commanded a battalion that included Company I and Company H/9th Texas Cavalry. On August 1st Bridges was promoted to Lt.Col and his battalion joined with Ras Stirman's 1st Arkansas Battalion to form a Sharpshooter Regiment in Col Phifer's Brigade. They trained as Sharpshooters and skirmishers until September when they began to move toward north east Mississippi. On October 3 and 4th 1862 at Corinth, MS the unit was part of Stirman's Regiment and either fought as skirmishers or as a line Infantry Regiment dismounted on the left flank of Phifers Brigade. Bridges was wounded and left the battle. A very small portion of the company may have made it to the center of Corinth and almost won the battle. After not being reinforced, they were forced to retreat. The next day 5 October only about 30 were at the Battle of Hatchie Bridge, Tennessee. These men had to race back across the bridge and take positions on the south east side of the river, to support the 6th Texas Cavalry with fire and hold the line. This they did.

Stirman's Regiment was broke up in November and Company I returned to the 6th and was remounted before the 1st of December. They participated in the Raid on Holly Springs and south west Tennessee in December. In January they moved to Tennessee and fought at Thompson's Station on March 5, 1863. They stayed in the Spring Hill area until May. They then moved back to the Black River area of Mississippi near Vicksburg. They skirmished in that area until September when many went on a Scout with Sul Ross in to northern Arkansas. In December 1863 they returned to central Mississippi. In may they moved into Alabama. From 15 May till September 1864 they fought in the Atlanta Campaign against Sherman. They then went with Hood on the ill fated Tennessee Campaign. There is much to tell of this last year but there is not enough room here.
The two Laymance brothers did leave Company I, 6th Texas Cavalry Regiment in july and September 1862. Both probably returned to Texas together.
Company I strength 105 men, 21 died, 6 in battle, 19 discharged. 7 deserted. 33 present in 1864, 18 paroled at Jackson, MS on 13 May 1865. 16 were wounded, 19 were POWs. 3 Lts were dropped. Last officers resigned in Jan 1865 when Company I and K were joined together.
A detailed roster is available.