William Jackson Smart, The Civil War Vet And Single Dad Of 14 Who Inspired Father’s Day
After raising a brood of 14 children by himself after the death of two wives, one simple man became the inspiration for a national holiday
Although they are also known as “Hallmark holidays,” annual occasions like Father’s Day have taken on extreme importance in the United States as a reminder to appreciate segments of people at least once a year. Every third Sunday in June became a national holiday in honor of dads in 1972 when then President Richard Nixon signed a measure into law. However, it’s origins date back to 1910, when a woman pushed to have a day to honor the actions of her father, a single dad and Civil War veteran named William Jackson Smart.
Smart was born in Arkansas in 1842. He enlisted in the Union Army (it’s believed he also fought for the Confederates at other times) during the Civil War starting when he was just 19. Primarily opposing bands of guerillas in his home state and Missouri, he made it through the conflict safely, despite being captured on multiple occasions, After mustering out, he married Elizabeth Harris and they started a family.
Sadly, she passed away in 1878. He remarried around 1880, tying the knot with Ellen Victoria…
