Gustavus Adolphus Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gustavus Adolphus Smith
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| Born | December 26, 1820 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Died | December 11, 1885 (aged 64) Santa Fe, New Mexico |
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank | Colonel Brigadier General Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 35th Illinois Infantry Regiment 155th Illinois Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Gustavus Adolphus Smith (December 26, 1820 – December 11, 1885) was a successful carriage maker before the American Civil War. He joined the Union Army as a volunteer colonel and served from 1861 to 1863, and again in 1865. After the war, he received an honorary rank of Brevet Brigadier General. Later in life, Smith worked as a collector of internal revenue in New Mexico.
During the Civil War, Smith helped train new soldiers. He became a colonel of the 35th Illinois Infantry Regiment. He was badly hurt at the Battle of Pea Ridge in 1862. Because of his injuries, he couldn't serve in active battles. Even though he was nominated for a higher rank, it wasn't made permanent because of his health. He returned to service later in the war with the 155th Illinois Infantry Regiment.
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Early Life and Family
Gustavus Adolphus Smith was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 26, 1820. As a young person, he lived in Maryland and Ohio. In 1837, he moved to Decatur, Illinois. There, he became a very successful carriage maker.
He married Margaret Ann Bane, who was born in County Kildare, Ireland. They had a son named William A. Smith in 1851. Towards the end of the Civil War, when William was 14, he ran away from home. He wanted to join his father's regiment, the 155th Illinois Infantry. William A. Smith later became a sheriff in McKinley County, New Mexico.
Service in the Civil War
At the start of the American Civil War, Gustavus A. Smith spent months training new soldiers. He worked with recruits in Illinois and Missouri. On September 1, 1861, he was made a colonel of the Union Army's 35th Illinois Infantry Regiment. This regiment was sometimes called "Gus Smith's Independent Regiment."
Battle of Pea Ridge
On March 7, 1862, Colonel Smith was severely wounded at the Battle of Pea Ridge. This happened on the first day of fighting near Elkhorn Tavern. His horse was shot from under him. His sword was hit by a bullet and knocked from his hand. He was shot in the right shoulder and hit in the head by a piece of a shell. At the time, he was bleeding a lot, and people thought he might not survive.
Even though he recovered, his wounds took a long time to heal completely, not until 1868. Because of his injuries, he could not return to active battle duty.
Later War Service
After recovering enough, Smith was given recruiting duty. In July 1862, he was allowed to gather a group of volunteers. President Abraham Lincoln then nominated him for a temporary rank of brigadier general. This rank would have started on September 19, 1862.
However, because Smith was still too injured for field service, the United States Senate did not confirm his appointment. This meant his temporary brigadier general rank ended on March 4, 1863. His highest official rank remained colonel.
Smith was called back to duty on February 28, 1865. He became the colonel of the 155th Illinois Infantry Regiment. This regiment was responsible for guarding the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad until the war ended. Smith served with this regiment until December 14, 1865.
After the war, on January 13, 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated Smith for an honorary rank. This was the rank of brevet brigadier general of volunteers. The United States Senate approved this on March 12, 1866.
Later Life and Passing
After the war, Gustavus Adolphus Smith and his family lived in Alabama for a short time. In 1870, they moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico. This move happened because President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Smith to a new job. He became the collector of internal revenue for the District of New Mexico.
Smith was also a member of the Odd Fellows for over 35 years. This was a social and charitable group where he held important positions.
Gustavus Adolphus Smith passed away in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on December 11, 1885. He was buried in Santa Fe National Cemetery.
