John C. Smith (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Corson Smith
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| 24th Lieutenant Governor of Illinois | |
| In office January 30, 1885 – January 14, 1889 |
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| Governor | Richard J. Oglesby |
| Preceded by | William J. Campbell |
| Succeeded by | Lyman Ray |
| 18th Illinois Treasurer | |
| In office January 5, 1883 – January 29, 1885 |
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| Governor | Shelby M. Cullom John M. Hamilton |
| Preceded by | Edward Rutz |
| Succeeded by | Jacob Gross |
| In office January 13, 1879 – January 9, 1881 |
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| Governor | Shelby M. Cullom |
| Preceded by | Edward Rutz |
| Succeeded by | Edward Rutz |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 13, 1832 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Died | December 31, 1910 (aged 78) Chicago, Illinois |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Charlotte A. Gallaher |
| Profession | Soldier, tax assessor |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Branch/service | Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel Bvt. Brigadier General |
| Unit | 96th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
John Corson Smith (February 13, 1832 – December 31, 1910) was an American soldier and politician from Pennsylvania. He moved to Galena, Illinois in 1854. There, he worked as a carpenter and later at a customhouse.
Smith fought in the American Civil War with the 96th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He became a brigadier general for his bravery at the Battle of Chickamauga. After the war, he worked in taxes in Galena. In 1874, he moved to Chicago, Illinois. In Chicago, he became Chief Grain Inspector. He was elected Illinois Treasurer twice (1879–1881, 1883–1885). Later, he became Lieutenant Governor of Illinois in 1884. John Smith was also a very important Freemason. He led the Illinois chapter and served as Grand Scribe for 25 years.
Contents
Early Life and Moving to Illinois
John Corson Smith was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on February 13, 1832. As a young person, he learned to be a carpenter and builder. In 1854, he came to Chicago, Illinois, but he only stayed a short time.
He then moved to Galena, Illinois. For the next five years, he worked there as a carpenter. In 1859, he got a job as Assistant Superintendent. This was at the U.S. Custom House and Post Office in nearby Dubuque, Iowa.
Military Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War started in 1861, Smith joined the army. He first enlisted as a private soldier. Later that year, he helped create Company I of the 96th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was named a major in this new regiment.
His unit was part of the Military Division of the Mississippi. This division was led by Ulysses S. Grant, who was also from Galena. Smith showed great courage at the Battle of Chickamauga. Because of his actions, he was promoted to brigadier general. Smith was seriously hurt at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, but he survived.
Life After the War and Political Career
After the war ended, Smith went back to Galena. He was named Assistant Assessor for the Internal Revenue in Jo Daviess County. In 1874, Smith left Galena and moved back to Chicago.
In Chicago, he became the manager of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company office. Later that year, he worked as a secretary for the Board of Centennial Commissioners of Illinois. In 1875, Smith was named the Chief Grain Inspector for the City of Chicago.
Smith was elected Illinois Treasurer in 1878. He was a member of the Republican party. He served a two-year term and was elected again four years later. In 1884, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. He ran for this office with Richard J. Oglesby.
In 1894 and 1895, Smith traveled around the world. He wrote a book about his travels called Around the World with Gen. John C. Smith.
Family and Other Activities
John Smith married Charlotte A. Gallaher in 1856. They had three sons and one daughter.
He was also a leader in the Grand Army of the Republic. This was a group for Civil War veterans. Smith was a very important Mason. He joined the organization in 1859. He held many high positions, including Grand Commander of the Knights Templar in 1880. He was Grand Master of Illinois in 1881. Smith also served as Grand Scribe for the Grand Encampment for 25 years.
John Corson Smith passed away in Chicago on December 31, 1910. He was buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Galena.
