John Corson Smith was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 13, 1832. He moved to Galena in the mid-1850’s and formed a partnership in the carpentry and contracting trade with B. W. Marble. They constructed a number of private residences in Galena and Dubuque, as well as Galena’s Methodist Episcopal Church on Bench Street, and Dubuque’s Custom House. Smith was a close friend of Ely Parker and had been his assistant on several government construction projects.
On March 24, 1856, Smith married Charlotte Gallagher (1836- 1915) of Galena at the residence of the bride’s parents. Five children were born to this union.
Following the first call for volunteers in April, 1861, Smith enlisted as a private in Company “I” of the 96th Illinois volunteers. This regiment was recruited largely from men living in Jo Daviess County, Illinois. Smith was elected captain of the unit. In September 1862, the unit was mustered into the army as part of the 96th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment with Smith as a Major in the Regiment Staff.
Smith took part in many of the Western battles such as Fort Donelson and Chattanooga, Tennessee. During the Atlanta campaign in 1864, Smith sustained a severe shoulder injury during the battle of Kennesaw Mountain. While recuperating in a field hospital, he was almost hit by a sniper’s bullet.
Smith was a close friend of Grant’s. Their friendship was formed in Galena and continued through their lives. His military career became notable for his splendid, fearless courage. As Colonel in 1865, he was brevetted “for gallantry” by President Lincoln.
After the war, Smith was appointed Assessor for the Department of Internal Revenue. In the early 1870’s, he moved to Chicago and became involved in several business ventures. Smith was also active in Republican politics and was elected Illinois State Treasurer in 1878 and 1882. Two years later, in 1884, he was elected Lieutenant-Governor of the State of Illinois. He held this position until 1889.
John C. Smith died Dec. of 1910 at the age of 78. He was buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Galena.
Pictured is General John Corson Smith, one of the nine Civil War Generals from Galena, Illinois. He is attired in uniform of the Masonic Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois.
He was Most Worshipful Grand Master for the State of Illinois for many years, which makes him the only Galenian to obtain that status. He also wrote a history of Freemasonry in Galena that you can still purchase online.
(Information courtesy Brandon Behlke)
(Photo Courtesy Terry Miller)
