Galena's Gen. John E. Smith-- Part 3: Born Overseas

In 1861, John E. Smith probably was the most important man in Galena.  He was born overseas and in 1832, at age 16, arrived in St. Louis where he lived for three years before coming to Galena, Illinois. He had a store at 85 Main Street there.   (Grant was at 15 Main Street.  They became friends.)

Smith was very active in Galena's civic affairs.

Ely Parker was an Indian civil engineer and built the Galena Custom House.  (One of the Galena Nine.)

He also became friends with Joseph Russell Jones who owned the Belvedere Mansion in town.  Jones was very involved in the steamboat industry. 

Smith was a staunch anti-slavery man.  He became a supporter of Lincoln.

Grant did not come to Galena until April 1860.

--Old Secesh