Background
Charles Sydney Smith was born October 4, 1828 in Warren, Rhode Island. Smith"s first wife was Lavinia Winberg Gorgas, daughter of George Gorgas of Philadelphia.
Charles Sydney Smith was born October 4, 1828 in Warren, Rhode Island. Smith"s first wife was Lavinia Winberg Gorgas, daughter of George Gorgas of Philadelphia.
The nearest school was three miles away, and he attended school only a few weeks each winter.
By age 18, Smith was in Newark, New Jersey, learning the jewelry trade. He returned to Rhode Island, eventually working for Sackett, Davis, & Company, jewelers on Richmond Street in Providence. In September 1861, after the start of the, Smith joined the 4th Rhode Island Infantry, where he became First lieutenant and quartermaster under General Parke.
He took part in Burnside"s North Carolina Expedition and participated in the battles of Roanoke, New Bern, and Fort Macon.
He returned to Rhode Island in Fall 1862, once again working for Sackett, Davis & Company, where he eventually became superintendent. In 1870 he partnered with Samuel West. Saxton of New York to form Saxton, Smith & Company, which made solid gold chains.
He was also president of the United Wire and Supply Company. Smith served in politics for over thirty years.
He served on the common council, state assembly, and state senate before running for mayor.
He was elected mayor in 1890 and served for one term. His efforts to bring law and order to Providence resulted in his defeat for re-election by a tolerate electorate which was inclined to look the other way. After his mayorship, Smith was elected a Commissioner of Sinking Funds.
