John C. Smith

John Corson Smith (February 13, 1832 – December 31, 1910) was an American military officer and politician from Pennsylvania. Coming to Galena, Illinois in 1854, Smith first practiced carpentry before receiving a commission at a customhouse. Smith fought in the American Civil War with the 96th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment and was brevetted a brigadier general for his actions at the Battle of Chickamauga. Returning to Galena, Smith work in Internal Revenue until moving to Chicago, Illinois in 1874. There, he was named Chief Grain Inspector, then was elected Illinois Treasurer (1879–1881, 1883–1885). He was elected Lieutenant Governor of Illinois in 1884. Smith was also a prominent Freemason, leading the Illinois chapter and serving as Grand Scribe for twenty-five years.

Biography John Corson Smith was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on February 13, 1832. Smith apprenticed as a carpenter and builder. He came to Chicago, Illinois in 1854, but stayed only briefly before removing to Galena, Illinois. He worked there as a carpenter for the next five years. In 1859, he was appointed Assistant Superintendent of the U.S. Custom House and Post Office in nearby Dubuque, Iowa.

Upon the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Smith enlisted as a private with the 74th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Later that year, he raised Company I of the 96th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment and was named its major when the regiment was approved. The unit was eventually attached to the Military Division of the Mississippi, led by fellow Galena resident Ulysses S. Grant. He was brevetted a brigadier general for his actions at the Battle of Chickamauga.