Charles W. Smith was a member of the second party that arrived in "Wakarusa", later named Lawrence for Amos Lawrence of Boston, on September 9, 1854. The party was led by Charles Robinson and L.C. Pomeroy.

On September 20th the surveyor, A.D. Searl, with C.W. Smith and three others began the survey of the townsite. Charles W. Smith in 1877 was the secretary of the association of Old Settlers. He was the son-in-law of Samuel Walker. He was a furniture dealer and undertaker by occupation.