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Bert Smith at age 93. This is the photograph used in a newspaper article about him. I do not know which newspaper this article appeared in; probably the Newport Miner or the Spokane Spokesman-Review.
The original of this photograph and of the newspaper article are in the possession of Bert's niece, Leola Smith Chrysler. Leola made plain-paper copies of them for me.
See Also:
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[This is the text of the newspaper article.]
"I told my wife when she was alive that I wanted to be the last Spanish-American War veteran alive. I'll make it, I guess."
Charles E.H. Smith, 93, although now under care at the Spokane Veterans Administration Hospital, expressed that bright outlook in a recent interview.
When at home at Newport, Wash., he makes good use of his leisure time.
Years ago he was a machinist, but now he has turned to less strenuous activities. A niece, Mrs. George (Leola) Chrysler of Newport, said Smith for years has made beautiful lace doilies.
Smith was in Manistique, Mich., in 1898 when he enlisted in the 35th Michigan Company B Volunteers. The organization was made up of sons of veterans, Smith recalled.
His service consisted of training at Island Lake, Mich., and Savannah and Augusta, Ga. He was discharged without going overseas.
"Dewey and that gang done 'em up too quick. We didn't get a chance to get over," Smith said.
He spent about 50 years in Buffalo, N.Y., and Tampa, Fla., until his wife died three years ago and he moved to Newport.
"All the kids call me uncle and I keep busy all day long," Smith said.
He doesn't like the war in Vietnam.
"We shouldn't be over there in the first place but I suppose somebody ought to have gone over there," Smith said.
[Note by Brian: It appears that Uncle Bert, who passed away in 1968 at age 94, did not achieve his goal of being the last surviving veteran of the Spanish American War. On the internet I have found references to a couple of veterans who lived many years longer. Harry Caloner, age 110, was still alive in October 1984. Walter Pleate died December 3, 1985, at age 108.]