C. Henry Smith (June 8, 1875 – October 18, 1948) was a Mennonite historian born in Metamora, Illinois.
Both of C. Henry Smith's grandfathers had immigrated to the United States from Alsace-Lorraine.
[3] Smith taught at an elementary school for three years (1893–1896), before entering college, and then taught several short stints at the Elkhart Institute (1898–1900) and then its successor Goshen College (1903–1905) while finishing his education.
Smith was a co-editor of the Mennonite Encyclopedia until his death and wrote some of the articles therein.
[2] The most tangible component of C. Henry Smith's legacy is the C. Henry Smith Trust which sponsors an annual Peace Lecture given by a faculty member of a Mennonite-affiliated college or university, as well as oratorical contests at Mennonite-affiliated colleges and universities.