David Dilse Smith


"David Dilse Smith was born in Lodi, Seneca County N.Y. In 1842 he moved with his family, a brother, and two sisters to the Greenwood area. The 1860 census shows that the family had grown to nine children...


"David enlisted May 13, 1861 for a 3 year term at Scio NY. He was mustered into Company C of the 67th New York, 1st Long Island Volunteers. He was wounded at Seven Pines-Fair Oaks on May 31, 1862 and was hospitalized at Douglas USA General Hospital, Washington DC...


"Smith's right hand was shattered and the doctors at Douglas Hospital were preparing to amputate...however, President Lincoln was going through the ward that day, came upon the injured soldier and asked what he could do for him...

"Smith said 'don't let them take off my arm. I'm a farmer and I won't be able to farm'. And he also asked for a glass of buttermilk. Lincoln left to talk to the doctors and Smith got both his requests...


"David Smith was discharged on October 25, 1862. For a period of time between his discharge and marriage he worked in Titusville PA area in the oil fields...


"On January 21, 1868 he married Amelia Barber Saxton, a Civil War widow. She had one son, John Saxton. Together they had 5 children: Ada, Jay, Bertha, Mae, and Sarah. Sarah is buried in the same plot as her parents. Amelia passed away on October 10, 1912. David remarried to Josephine Wheeler Saxton on September 29, 1917. David died in Whitesville NY on September 23, 1920 and was buried in Hobers Corners Cemetery on September 26, 1920."


All information above was kindly provided by David Bates, great-great-grandson of David Smith.


Original Soliders of the 67th NY

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