My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES COLUMBUS SMITH was a highly respected and enterprising citizen of Murphysboro, and his history well deserves a place in this volume. He was born in Cape Girardeau County, Mo., May 22, 1848. His father was an early settler of that county and engaged in merchandising. He married Miss Jane McLean, who is now Mrs. Lovell, of Cape Girardeau.

C. C. Smith was the eldest of three children. His father died when he was quite young, and he had to aid in the support of the family. He was reared upon the farm of his maternal grandfather and acquired his education in the common schools and the high school of Jonesboro, Ill. He also completed the course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College of St. Louis, after which he began clerking for John Vastine, at Preston, Ill. A year later he embarked in teaching in Jackson, Mo., where he continued until 1871, when he located upon a farm in his native county and for five years continued its cultivation. On the expiration of that period he removed to the city of Cape Girardeau, and for about three years was superintendent of the Grange store.

At that place, on the 14th of March, 1871, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. McLain, a native of Cape Girardeau and a daughter of John A. McLain, who was also there born and reared. Her grandfather, David McLain, a native of North Carolina, is numbered among the early settlers of Missouri and became an extensive farmer and a prominent citizen. The father was also an influential man in the community. His death occurred in January, 1893. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Susan McLaughlin, was born in Virginia, and is still living in Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. McLain had a family of eight children, of whom Mrs. Smith is the eldest. She is a cultivated and intelligent lady and one whose friends throughout the community are many. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born three children: Minnie, wife of E. R. Neill, of Murphysboro, Harry and Albert.

In 1879 Mr. Smith came with his family to Murphysboro and entered into partnership with William H. McLaughlin under the firm name of Smith & McLaughlin, dealers in general merchandise. Retiring from this connection in 1855 he embarked in business alone at the corner of Broad and Walnut Streets, and three years later bought out the store of Samuel Desberger. He fitted out an elegant establishment, and the “Trade Palace” as it was called, became the finest store in the place. It was well stocked with desirable goods, and Mr. Smith did a most successful business, his trade increasing until it assumed extensive proportions. By close attention to all details, careful management and enterprise, he won the success which made him one of the substantial citizens of Jackson County. He was also one of the organizers of the Board of Trade and served as its President until his death. Of the Cripple Revenge Threshing Machine Company he was Treasurer. A public-spirited and progressive man, he contributed liberally to the support of all enterprises which were calculated to promote the general welfare. In politics he was a Democrat. After only a week’s illness he passed away, November 18, 1892, and his death was widely and deeply mourned.

Mrs. Smith still makes her home in Murphysboro, where she is both widely and favorably known. She holds an enviable position in social circles and has the warm regard of all. She owns both business and residence property, and with the English Lutheran Church hold membership.