Charles Brooks Smith facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Charles Brooks Smith
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from West Virginia's 4th district
In office February 3, 1890 – March 3, 1891
Preceded by	James Monroe Jackson
Succeeded by	James Capehart
Personal details
Born	(1844-02-24)February 24, 1844 Elizabeth, Wirt County, Virginia
Died	December 7, 1899(1899-12-07) (aged 55) Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia
Political party	Republican
Alma mater	United States
Military service
Allegiance	United States of America Union
Branch/service	cavalry  United States Army Union Army
Years of service	1864–1865
Unit	First West Virginia Cavalry
Battles/wars	American Civil War

Charles Brooks Smith (born February 24, 1844 – died December 7, 1899) was an important person from West Virginia. He was a soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War. After the war, he became a successful businessman. He was also a Republican politician. He served one term in the United States House of Representatives. This is part of the U.S. Congress. He represented West Virginia's 4th congressional district.

Early Life and Family

Charles Brooks Smith was born in 1844 in a town called Elizabeth. This town later became the main town, or county seat, of Wirt County. His mother was Caroline B. Smith, and his father was Robert S. Smith. His father was a merchant, which means he bought and sold goods.

Around 1850, Charles's family moved to Parkersburg. This was a growing city located on the Ohio River. Parkersburg was the county seat for Wood County. Charles went to a private school there. At that time, Virginia did not have public schools.

His family seemed to be well-off. In 1850, his father owned land and property. By 1860, his father's wealth had grown even more. They lived in a nice neighborhood and had a helper in their home.

Serving in the Civil War

On March 1, 1864, Charles Smith joined the Union Army. He became a soldier in Company I of the First West Virginia Cavalry. This cavalry unit was involved in many battles during the American Civil War. They fought until General Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House.

Just a few days after joining, Charles was made a second lieutenant. This was on March 5, 1864. He was honorably discharged from the army on July 8, 1865. This means he left the army with a good record.

Some other brave soldiers from his regiment were also recognized. For example, Henry Capehart saved a drowning soldier and received the Medal of Honor. His younger brother, Charles Capehart, also earned a Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Career and Public Service

After the war, Charles Smith started a new career. He became a captain of steamboats. He also became a businessman in Parkersburg.

In 1875, the people of Wood County elected him as their Recorder. This job involved keeping official records. In 1876, he was elected to the Parkersburg city council. Two years later, he became the mayor of Parkersburg. He served as mayor from 1878 to 1880. Being mayor was likely a part-time job for him. In 1880, he was also listed as a "crockery dealer." This means he sold dishes and pottery.

Later that year, voters elected Charles Smith to another important role. He became the sheriff and treasurer for Wood County. He held these positions from 1880 to 1884. In 1888, he was chosen to be a delegate. This meant he represented West Virginia at the Republican National Convention.

Charles Smith then ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives. He successfully won the election against James Monroe Jackson. So, he served a part of a term in the Fifty-first Congress. His term was from February 3, 1890, to March 3, 1891.

However, in the next election, a Democrat named James Capehart defeated him. So, Charles Smith did not serve in the Fifty-second Congress. After his time in Congress, he worked selling fire insurance.

Later Life and Passing

Charles Brooks Smith passed away in Parkersburg, West Virginia, on December 7, 1899. He was buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery.