Background
He was born on November 1, 1827 in Hollis, Maine, United States, the son of Aaron and Sally (Gile) Smith. He studied law in the high school at Eastport.
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Charles Henry Smith
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He was graduated from Waterville (Now Colby) College at Waterville, Maine, in 1856, and three years later received the A. M. degree from that institution.
Career
From 1856 to 1860 he was principal of the high school at Eastport, Me.
When the Civil War broke out he volunteered and became a captain in the 1th Maine Cavalry. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac early in 1862, and during that year he fought on a reconnaissance to Front Royal, Virginia, in the battle of Cedar Mountain, and in the second battle of Bull Run.
From September 1862 to January 1863 he was provost-marshal at Frederick, Maryland, remaining thereafter on almost continuous duty with the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac. He was rapidly promoted in 1863 through the grades of major and lieutenant-colonel to colonel. During this year he commanded the 16t Maine Cavalry on Stoneman's raid into Virginia, in the Gettysburg campaign where he was cited for distinguished conduct, and in the Mine Run campaign.
The year 1864 was an active one for the cavalry; skirmishes, reconnaissances, raids, and long marches were the order of the day. Two horses were shot from under him at St. Mary's Church, Virginia, on June 24, 1864, and Smith was himself shot through the thigh early in the afternoon, but he did not relinquish command of his regiment until the day was over.
In 1865 he fought through the Appomattox campaign to the end of the war and won renown at Sailor's Creek, Virginia, on April 6, for a bold attack with his brigade against the flank of a retreating Confederate column.
He was mustered out of the army on August 11, 1865, returned to Machias in his native state, was admitted to the bar, practised law, and in 1866 became a state senator.
On July 28, 1866, he accepted the appointment of colonel of the 28th Infantry in the regular army.
He died in Washington, District of Columbia.
Achievements
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Charles Henry Smith sucessfully commanded a cavalry brigade through most of the Richmond campaign, the Appomattox campaign. For his heroism he was awarded the Congressional medal of honor in 1895. He was brevetted brigadier-general in the regular army, 1867, for his action in the battle of Sailor's Creek, and major-general for gallant service during the war. This modest officer fought in sixty-three battles and skirmishes and was three times wounded.
Connections
He was married to Mary Richards Livermore of Eastport, Maine, on July 28, 1864. He had a son and a daughter.
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Born
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Died
July 17, 1902 (aged 75) -
Nationality
American