by Diana Dretske

*     *     *

“Mother of the Regiment,” Mrs. Gen. John C. Smith

Mrs. Charlotte Gallagher Smith was affectionately called the “Mother of the Regiment” by the soldiers of the 96th Illinois. Charlotte Smith (1838-1915) was the wife of Lt. Col. John C. Smith (1932-1910) of Galena, Illinois. Mrs. Smith and her sons made family visits to the camp, and her motherly presence brought great comfort to the soldiers of the regiment.

 

Source: Partridge, Charles A. History of the Ninety-Sixth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Chicago: Historical Society of the Regiment, 1887.