 The family appears to have moved to a wealthier neighborhood and included an English-born female domestic servant but neither Robert Smith Sr. nor Thomas, Elizabeth nor Amy.On March 1, 1864, Smith enlisted in Company I of the First West Virginia Cavalry, associated with the Union Army, and which saw heavy action, ending with General Lee's surrender at Appomatox Court house.Within a week he was commissioned as a second lieutenant (on March 5, 1864), and was honorably discharged on July 8, 1865.