Colonel Gaines Chisholm Smith (1822–1910)
Early Life
Gaines Chisholm Smith was born on February 22, 1822, in Tennessee to Phelps Smith and Elizabeth (maiden name unknown). In 1845, he married Matilda Jane Davis in Limestone County, Alabama. Together, they had ten children. Following Matilda’s death, Gaines remarried twice—first to Eliza Louisa Wickham in 1868 (five children) and then to Elizabeth Johnson in 1884 (four children).
Military Service
Smith served with distinction in multiple conflicts:
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Mexican-American War: Records and pension applications confirm his service, with newspaper accounts later recognizing him as a “veteran of long and honorable service.”
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American Civil War: Enlisting as 1st Lieutenant in the Limestone Grays, Company H, 9th Alabama Infantry in June 1861, he rose to Captain and later Lieutenant Colonel. During the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, he was severely wounded and captured, subsequently held at Fort Delaware as a prisoner of war. Personal letters from contemporaries, including William Cowan McClellan, describe Smith’s leadership and dedication, highlighting his courage and commitment to his men.
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Spanish-American War: Later accounts note his continued service, marking him as a lifelong military man.
Later Life
After the Civil War, Smith settled in Athens, Alabama, becoming a respected community member. An 1894 newspaper article titled “An Old Veteran” celebrated his contributions and recounted his Civil War experiences. Family members shared memories of his resilience and leadership, portraying him as both a devoted father and a civic-minded citizen.
Legacy
Smith passed away on April 28, 1910, at age 88. His descendants continued his legacy of service and achievement. Notably, his grandson Matthew Glenn Smith became one of the first Rhodes Scholars, earning a Doctorate of Jurisprudence at Oxford before serving as a federal judge in Dallas, Texas.
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