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Claremont Smith was elected Captain of the Watsonville Guard (Militia) Company in June 1864.

Pajaro Times (October 6, 1864)

Call for Volunteers - Governor's Proclamation - Inducements to Enlist

Below we publish the proclamation of Governor Low calling for a regiment of infantry. Col. Robert Simpson, of San Francisco, a gentleman of unquestionable military ability and experience, has been authorized to raise the regiment, and recruiting to that end is now in lively operation. Colonel Simson has been through this section the past week. Recruiting offices will be opened the coming week, under the auspices of Captain Claremont C. Smith, of the Watsonville Guards, in Watsonville, Santa Cruz, Monterey and adjoining towns. We will here say that there are a few laboring men who can do better financially in California, than to enter the service of the Federal army. The inducements to enlist are of no ordinary character. We sincerely trust our citizens will render liberal aid in recruiting a company in this county. Captain Smith is a soldier of some experience, having served honorably under Gen. Lew Wallace and participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Fort Donelson, etc.

Santa Cruz Sentinel (March 5, 1886)

8th Cal Reunion

C.C. Smith, late Captain Co. A 8th Inf. Cal Volunteers writes us from Fulton, Morrow County Ohio as follows, "Our National Encampment of the G.A.R. will be in San Francisco Aug 3d 1886. I have thought for many years that it would afford me much pleasure to meet the comrades of Co. A, 8th Inf Cal Vol., and I wish to suggest that the company hold a reunion sometime during that month in Watsonville. All members wishing a reunion will please address me. If a sufficient number should respond arrangements can then be made."

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