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Dr. Charles C. Smith
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Dr. Charles C. Smith
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Charles C. Smith was born in Dunbarton, Merrimack County, NH, on July 28, 1828, to Jacob and Hannah Smith. Not much is known of his early years other than that he helped work the family farm with his father and brothers.
Beginning September 1, 1849, Charles began reading medicine. He studied with a Dr. Smith (no known relation) from North Brookfield, MA. He continued to study under Dr. Smith until May 1, 1850. Dr. Smith said of Charles "{he had}...the high moral character of a gentleman and classical scholar." Starting in May and until August 1, 1850, Charles "read Medicine" with Dr. Fisk from Bradford, NH. In 1851, he attended the Berkshire Medical Institution in Pittsfield, MA. Beginning August 5, 1852, Charles attended the 14-week annual course of Medical Lectures at Dartmouth College. His instructor was Dr. Stephen M. Emery. Dr. Emery described Charles as a "...young man of moral worth and unexceptionable character, and is well acquainted with the principles, and construction of the Latin language." October 25, Charles presented his thesis on pneumonia which described the disease and recommended blood-letting as a correct treatment. He passed his exams in November with marks ranging from "Pretty Well" to "Well" to "Very Well". Charles graduated Dartmouth Medical College in 1853. According to the way the lectures and degree confirmation worked in those days, Charles would have left after exams at the end of 1852 but was awarded his degree in 1853. While attending Dartmouth, Charles' residence was listed as both Fisherville and Bradford, NH, which matches census information.
In 1852-53 Charles relocated to Redford, Michigan. At that time, Redford was known as Bell Branch. On March 1 or 4, 1856, Dr. Smith married Mary Houk, age 24, of Redford at the home of her father. They were to have at least six children. At least one of Mary's brothers, Henry L. Houk, also enlisted in the Regiment.
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War-time Photo |
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When the 24th Michigan was formed, Dr. Smith volunteered and was appointed 1st Assistant Surgeon. He was 34 years old. His commission was dated August 15, 1863, and he was mustered into service on the same day. Curtis states: "Surgeons J. H. Beech, Charles C. Smith, and Alexander Collar were experienced practitioners." (p. 42). Interestingly, although the regimental organization provided for only three surgeons, five men listed their occupation as physician. For much of his service, there is little mention of Dr. Smith. He must, however, have been very busy -- diseases such as typhoid, dysentery, measles, and small pox were very prevalent during the initial months of the Regiment's service. Even after the Regiment had become "seasoned," the hardships of the winter campaigns, the Mud March in particular, sent many to the hospital. Dr. Smith tendered his resignation on February 14, 1863, and left the Regiment on February 16, 1863. His replacement, Dr. George W. Towar, Jr., arrived on April 5, 1863.
According to Dr. C.C. Yemans, Second Lieutenant, Company D of the 24th Michigan, Charles served under Dr. J. H. Beech who was surgeon. Dr. Yemans states that Charles was associated with Dr. A. Collar of Wayne as assistant surgeons and "both gentlemen were held in high esteem by their comrades".
Dr. Smith's twins, Freddie and Kittie, were born on December 12, 1862, during the Fredericksburg campaign. Kittie died in March 1863; Freddie died in August 1863. Charles may have resigned for family reasons due to the birth of his twins and their subsequent ill health.
Charles served as a state representative from Wayne County, 1867-1868. In 1884, he was a member of the Wayne County Jury Commission. In the book, Michigan Biographies, Vol. 2, Dr. Smith was said to be a Democrat.
Dr. Smith's son, Charles Newell Smith, married May Eloise Lobdell, the daughter of another 24th Michigan veteran, Able Lobdell..
Charles Smith died April 17, 1890, in Redford, MI. The cause
of death was listed as "Le Grippe" (influenza). He is
buried along with his wife and many of his children at the old
pioneer cemetery in Redford, Michigan.
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Dr. Smith
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Mary Houk Smith |
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Information regarding his medical training comes from the Dartmouth College Library Special Collections. Mr. Greene was provided with copies of letters from Drs. Smith, Fisk, and Emery; the medical thesis; grades; Dartmouth Necrology 1899-1900; Catalogue of Officers and Students of Dartmouth for 1852-3; Military Record of the Sons of Dartmouth 1861-65; and the Dartmouth General Catalogue 1940.
Additional information is recorded in the books "MICHIGAN IN THE WAR" (Revised Edition of 1882) and Volumes I and II of "MEDICAL HISTORY of MICHIGAN" 1930 published for the Michigan State Medical Society by The Bruce Publishing Company, Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The Medical History book incorrectly lists Charles' college as "Portsmouth Medical College".
Another Descendant, Georgia Smith Labunes, Provided Mr. Greene with excerpts from the above books as well as information recorded in the family bible.
Last Updated: 08/01/99
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Photograph and all original material © Copyright 1997, 1999
Christopher Smith Greene
