John E. Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Eugene Smith
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John E. Smith
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| Born | August 3, 1816 Bern, Switzerland |
| Died | January 29, 1897 (aged 80) Chicago, Illinois |
| Place of burial |
Greenwood Cemetery, Galena, Illinois
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| Allegiance | Switzerland (formerly) United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1881 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | 45th Illinois Volunteer Infantry 27th Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | jeweler, goldsmith |
John Eugene Smith (born 1816, died 1897) was a general who fought for the Union during the American Civil War. He was born in Switzerland and later moved to the United States.
Early Life and Career
John Eugene Smith was born in Bern, Switzerland, in 1816. His father had served under Napoleon Bonaparte. After Napoleon's power ended, his family moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
In Philadelphia, Smith learned to be a jeweler. About 20 years later, he moved to Galena, Illinois, where he continued his jewelry business. Smith was one of nine people from Galena who became generals for the Union during the Civil War.
Other generals from Galena included:
- Augustus L. Chetlain
- John O. Duer
- Ulysses S. Grant
- Jasper A. Maltby
- Ely S. Parker
- John A. Rawlins
- William R. Rowley
- John Corson Smith
Serving in the Civil War
When the Civil War started in 1861, Smith worked for Illinois Governor Richard Yates. On December 26, 1861, he became a colonel in the 45th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He led his regiment in important battles like Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, and Shiloh.
In November 1862, he was promoted to brigadier general. He commanded a brigade and then a division in the XVI Corps. When General Ulysses S. Grant began his final plan against Vicksburg, Smith was given command of a brigade in the XVII Corps.
He fought in battles such as Port Gibson, Raymond, and Champion Hill. He also took part in the attacks on Vicksburg. In June 1863, during the siege, Smith took over command of the 7th Division, XVII Corps.
In September 1863, Smith's division was sent with General William T. Sherman to help at Chattanooga. During the battle of Missionary Ridge, Smith's troops attacked the Confederate right side at Tunnel Hill.
From December 1863 until the end of the war, Smith commanded the 3rd Division, XV Corps. He was involved in the Atlanta Campaign, March to the Sea, and the Carolinas Campaign.
Life After the War
In 1866, General Smith left the volunteer army but decided to stay in the regular United States Army. He became a colonel in the 27th U.S. Infantry Regiment. He was promoted to brigadier general in 1867 and to major general in 1869. He retired from the army in 1881.
Smith spent his last years in Chicago, Illinois. He passed away there on January 29, 1897. He is buried in Galena, Illinois.
