Birthplace of Bill Arp
Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, Georgia
Marker Inscription
Birthplace of Bill Arp. The beloved Charles Henry Smith was born here June 15, 1826. He married Mary Hutchins of Lawrenceville in 1849, beginning his law practice and moved to Rome in 1851. Major, Confederate Army. His Nom de plume, "Bill Arp," was first used in 1861. Appointed Judge Advocate, Macon, 1864. State Senator 1865-1866. Mayor of Rome, Ga. 1868-1869. Moved near Cartersville in 1877, and into town 1888. A brilliant writer, gentle philosopher, and entertaining humorist for more than forty years, he died August 24, 1903. [WPA Marker]
Erected by Georgia Historical Commission
The Story
Charles Henry Smith was born in Lawrenceville in 1826, but Georgia came to know him by his pen name, "Bill Arp." A lawyer and Confederate major, he first used the humorous persona in 1861 and spent more than forty years as one of the South's most beloved newspaper humorists and gentle philosophers. His column ran until his death in 1903, softening hard times with wit.
Why it matters
Smith helped shape the tradition of Southern homespun humor that let ordinary readers make sense of war, defeat, and reconstruction through laughter.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Attractions
- Ante Bellum Plantation House13.2 mi away
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Related people
- · Charles Henry Smith
- · Mary Hutchins
Themes & tags
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