San Francisco
County
Biographies
COL.
WILLIAM RENWICK SMEDBERG
As a citizen and soldier, Col. Smedberg has gained a high reputation. As Department
Commander of the Grand Army of California, during the National Encampment in
this State, he showed tact and signal ability. We herewith give a succinct
record of his services: Colonel, lately commanding the Second Artillery
Regiment; Adjutant-General, Department of California, Grand Army of the Republic;
Recorder of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Commandery
of California; member of the Military Association of the Pacific; of the
Society of the Army of the Potomac, and of the Fifth Corps Society, Seventh
Regiment War Veterans. Colonel Smedberg is a soldier
by profession and inclination, and the greater part of his busy life has been
spent in the service. He wears the Seventh Regiment medal of honor for over 20
years’ service.
Born in New York City on the 19th
of March, 1839, he entered Columbia College, New York, in 1853, graduating in
June, 1857. He enlisted in Company F. of the New York Seventh Regiment in July,
1858, remaining with it until 1860, when he was honorably discharged on account
of his removal to Washington, D. C., where he joined the National Rifles in
1861, and resided until the breaking out of the war. He enlisted in the United
States Service on the 15th of April, as a volunteer and private in
Company A, Third Battalion, District of Columbia Volunteers; was promoted
Corporal, and was honorably discharged on the 4th of July, on acceptance
of a commission in the United States Army, serving in the Potomac and Patterson
campaigns.
He is a member of George H. Thomas
Post, No. 2; Fidelity Lodge, Knights of Honor; Fidelity Lodge, Ancient Order
United Workmen; Washington Camp, Patriotic Order Sons of America, and the
Bohemian Club and San Francisco Art Association.
Transcribed By: Cecelia M. Setty.
Source: “Illustrated Fraternal Directory Including
Educational Institutions on the Pacific Coast, Page 330, Publ. Bancroft
Co., San Francisco. Cal. 1889.
© 2012 Cecelia M. Setty.
San Francisco County Biographies