Trails to the Past-RI-Bristol-County--Barrington-smithfamily

Trails to the Past

Bristol County Rhode Island

Barrington Biographies

The Smiths

CHARLES ERASTUS SMITH, contracting mason; has rendered valuable service to the town as Superintendent of Highways, by introducing better methods of road construction, and the use of better material. Under his administration of the highway department, Barrington roads took the lead for solidity and durability among the County towns. Mr. Smith also superintended the setting of the shade trees, and had the care of them for several years.

CHARLES JOSEPH MAURAN SMITH. Son of Joseph Smith; was a prominent and highly esteemed citizen of Barrington, who greatly endeared himself to a large circle of friends by the kindness of his nature and the cheerfulness which was so marked a feature of his character; he was a consistent member of the Warren Methodist Episcopal Church for over 40 years. Biographie Index

IRVING M. SMITH. Son of Nathaniel C. and Sally (Bowen) Smith; b. July 15, 1852; drug business; m. Caroline W. Ketchum; children, Kenneth Valentine, Nathalie Church; d. Dec. 1, 1895. Mr. Smith was one of the most active, useful, and unselfish men Barrington has produced, and his early death may be traced to excessive labors in local affairs, added to the cares of family and business. He was a natural leader and reformer and engaged in new projects with unbounded zeal and faith in their success. He counted difficulties and opposition as naught compared with the gains of successful plans. The town of Barrington was his idol, and he worshipped its history and traditions, and worked without stint for its advancement. He led in the organization of the Barrington Rural Improvement Association, and was its leading spirit until his death. Through this association he led the way in securing the recognition of Arbor Day as a state holiday. The Rhode Island Business Men's Association owes its life to him and he was chosen its first president in recognition of his labors. The same is true of the R. I. Rural Improvement Association. His example was contagious and inspired all to larger efforts, and there is scarcely a feature of the physical features of the town that has not in these busy years of his life felt some benefit there from. The present History of Barrington was undertaken at his urgent suggestion, endorsed by the town Improvement Association. His life work may be said to have been suggestive, administrative, and inspirational. His ambitions lay along the line of public service, and his name and reputation are secure. Biographie Index

GEORGE LEWIS SMITH. Oldest son of Lewis B. Smith; farmer, soldier. Captain in the Civil War, officer of Customs, Representative, Senator, member of Board of State Charities and Correction, member of school committee and superintendent of schools. Assessor of taxes. President of B. R. I. Society, etc., etc. Mr. Smith enlisted as a private in the Second R. I. V. Reg. in 1861, served throughout the war and received an honorable discharge in 1865. Mr. Smith is a man of practical business ability, liberal in views, generous, public spirited, conservative in action. His army record is one of which he is justly proud and in it he rendered the longest service, and attained the highest rank of the Barrington soldiers, the captaincy. In the autumn of 1891 Mr. Smith, wife, and daughter, started with others on a trip around the world, returning in 1892. They crossed the continent to California, thence across the Pacific, visiting Japan, India, Palestine, and the European countries, with great delight and profit to all. Mr. Smith is influential in the Republican party, and has enjoyed a full share of its honors. Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been actively engaged in all the efforts made for building up New Barrington along the lines established by the earlier families; m. Adelaide E. Peck, of Asa and Lucretia S. Peck, Dec. 27, 1865; children, George Howard, m. Olive B. Holmes; children, Mildred R., Lewis B., Harold H.; Anna D., m. George R. Gray, D. D. S., of Worcester, Mass. Biographie Index

LEWIS B. SMITH Son of Simon and Lydia Bosworth Smith; b. Sept. 14, 1817; occupation, farmer; m. (1) Anna D. Martin; children, George L,., Frederic P., Albert H.; m. (2) Judith R. Parker, Nov. 2, 1862; offices held : Overseer of the Poor, member and President of the Town Council, member of State Board of Charities and Corrections, Representative and Senator in the General Assembly, Deacon of Cong. Church, Treasurer of Cong. Society, Trustee of Public Library, etc., etc., Died May 19, 1892.

N. J. SMITH. B. Prov. R. I., March 31, 1838; grad. of H. S.; banking and jewelry from 1855 to 1875; Junior partner in H. M. Coombs & Co.; had valuable military experience in connection with the F. L. I. and other bodies; resides at Barrington Centre; is Treas. of the B. R. Improv. Association, and is deeply interested in all town matters.

NATHANIEL SMITH. Son of James and Sarah (Kent) Smith m. Lillis Humphrey, Dec. 6, 1770; children, Josiah, Nathaniel, Bicknell, Ebenezer, Simon, James, Sarah and Asa; farmer; owned large farm at Rumstick. Biographie Index

NATHANIEL CHURCH SMITH. Son of Nathaniel and Wait (Mauran) Smith; b. Oct. 12, 1811; m. Sally Bowen April 8, 1835; children, Antoinette Sharp, James Antoine, Albert, Nathaniel H., Nathaniel W., Louise Bowen, Emily Eddy, Walter Parker, Irving Mauran, Ralph Antoine, Harry Martin. Mr. Smith was a member of the school committee and also of the Town Council nearly every year from 1855 to 1869; was captain of the Barrington militia. Mr. Smith was a man devoted to the interests and growth of the town; was public spirited, firm in his adherence to conscientious beliefs, possessed a genial, social nature, looked at men and events from the hopeful standpoint, spoke evil of none, and was respected by all and beloved by those who knew him best. His family, parents, and children have been ornaments to society and the town.

NATHANIEL WAIT SMITH. Son of Nathaniel C. and Sally B. Smith; b. Dec. 18, 1842; m. Emily F. Cole, April, 1870; children, Walter C, 1871, and Nathaniel, Jr., 1873. Became a partner Jan. 1, 1873, in the well-known firm of Geo. L. Claflin & Co., wholesale druggists, in Providence, and devoted himself most faithfully to the duties of his chosen calling. He possessed a more than ordinary aptitude for commercial affairs, and although but thirty-three years of age when he died, had already won for himself an enviable reputation for sterling integrity, untiring industry, and executive capacity of no small degree. He was deservedly popular with all classes. Died July 7, 1878. Biographie Index

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