Giles Alexander Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Giles Alexander Smith
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Giles Alexander Smith
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| Born | September 29, 1829 Jefferson County, New York |
| Died | November 8, 1876 (aged 47) Bloomington, Illinois |
| Place of burial |
Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Bloomington, Illinois
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1866 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held | 8th Missouri Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Giles Alexander Smith (born September 29, 1829 – died November 8, 1876) was an important general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He played a big part in many key battles.
Early Life and Start of the War
Giles Alexander Smith was born in Jefferson County, New York. When he was 18, he moved to Ohio and worked in business for about ten years. Later, he moved to Bloomington, Illinois, where he owned a hotel.
When the Civil War began, Smith joined the 8th Missouri Volunteer Infantry. He quickly became a captain.
Military Career and Key Battles
General Smith took part in many important battles and military actions. These included the capture of Fort Donelson and the fierce Battle of Shiloh. He also helped with the operations around Corinth.
Later in 1862, he became a colonel. He led his regiment in the battle of Chickasaw Bayou. After the major campaign against Vicksburg, he was promoted to brigadier general on August 4, 1863.
He was injured during the Third Battle of Chattanooga. Despite his injury, he continued to serve. He took part in the Atlanta Campaign, which was a series of battles around Atlanta. He also marched with General Sherman during the famous March to the Sea. This march went through Georgia and then into the Carolinas Campaign.
On November 24, 1865, he was promoted to major general. This was one of the last major general promotions based on how long someone had served in the Civil War.
Family and Later Life
Giles Alexander Smith had a brother named Morgan Lewis Smith. He was also a Union Army brigadier general of volunteers.
After the war ended, Smith was offered a high rank in the regular army, but he chose not to accept it. He left the volunteer army on February 1, 1866.
He then became involved in politics in Illinois. He stopped working in public life in 1872. Smith was chosen to be a delegate from Illinois for the Republican National Convention. In 1874, he moved to California hoping to improve his health. However, he returned to Illinois two months before he passed away. He died in Bloomington, Illinois, and was buried in Bloomington Cemetery.
