For years Mr. Smith did not actively participate in civic affairs, but in 1890, when a reform wave was sweeping over the commercial metropolis he was asked to come forward as a candidate in one of the civic divisions. He hesitated for some time, but finally consented to contest the west ward if his warm personal friend, the late Mr. Frank Hart, would also seek a seat in the city council. At that time the late Colonel Stevenson was a landmark in civic politics as well as in military and social circles, and so well was the colonel known that there were many who considered that with him as an opponent Mr. Smith had hardly a fighting chance. It was contended that a Roman Catholic could not be elected in such a pronounced Protestant district as the west ward, but the success achieved by Mr. Smith in that contest proved that the reform candidate’s reputation was too well established to leave him a victim of the religious cry. He served in the council during 1890 and 1891, on the finance committee, and though assured that he could have a second election by acclamation, he declined both the aldermanic and mayoralty honors that were offered him.
In a quiet and unostentatious manner he was a generous contributor to deserving charities, irrespective of nationality or creed. He was one of the most prominent English-speaking Catholics in Montreal. As a personal friend of Archbishop Bruchesi, Mr. Smith was frequently consulted in the church’s temporal affairs.
Mr. Smith twice married: His first wife was Miss Mary A. McGlynn and his second wife who survives him, was Miss Margaret M. McNally, daughter of the late Bernard McNally. Two sons were the issue of the first marriage, Clarence F. Smith, vice president and general manager of the Ames, Holden, McCready, Limited, and Frederick H. Smith, who lived in the West Indies, until his death in April, 1912. To the second marriage the following children were born: Rose M.; Charles F., who died on August 20, 1911; Marguerite M.; Francis C.; May G.; and Geraldine M.
The Montreal Herald said of Mr. Smith: “There was no better citizen of Montreal than the late Charles F. Smith. He had made his way in the world by dint of rare power of business organization. In addition he was a man who made friends and held them. He had no taste for public life himself, but he had a deep interest in public affairs and in the men who in public life supported his views. It was so in the affairs of the Board of Trade and resulted in his becoming president of that body. It was so in civic affairs and resulted in his being much against his inclination, elected to the council. It was so in Dominion politics, and if he has passed away before his party friends had the opportunity of showing their appreciation, it is certain that the fighting ranks of the conservative party had few more prudent or more generous counsellors.