Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1869-10-28

DEATH OF BENJAMIN SMITH, ESQ
In Saturdays HERALD a brief an
nouncement was made of the death of
our venerated friend, Benjamin Smith,
Esq. Although having passed the allot-
ted period of three score years and ten,
and physically infirm, yet we were not
prepared to hear of his sudden decease,
which took place at the residence of his
son-in-law, w. A. Tyler, at Vest Leba-
non, N. IL, on Friday last, at the age Of
70 years. He returned home from visit
to his relatives and large circle Of personal
friends in this town, on Thursday even
ing, and was greatly Frustrated by the
journey, and sank gradually and con-
sciously to his death, which took place on
Friday evening.
1t was our fortune TO have enjoyed the
friendship of this venerable man for
many years, and we remember AZ If but
yesterday, the sound Of bis wcll-known
footstep, az ho made his way into our
Office little more than two weeks since
to make Us his last earthly visit. lie
greeted ~ kindly and cordially as Of
yore, but how marked u IA were the line
arnents of feeblcness and encroaohment
Of age upon that noble brow and manly
form, that reminded US that it was his
last call, and that death would coon set
his signet upon his brow. The two hours
that passed during that interview were
instructive and solemn to "a, and will
long finger in memory of him who has
now passed beyond the river" Mr..
Smith, we think, was resident OF
Rutland for nearly forty years, and was
widely known among its citizens. Hav-
ing lost hia second wife, and feeling the
gathering Of the infirmities of age, he re-
moved, several years since, TO West Leba-
non, TO reside with his daughter, Mrs Tyler,
who tegderly cared for all his wants and
watched over his advancing years with a
filial love rarely exhibited. He always
spoke 10 his friends of her care and com
partnership with an appreeiatiye tender
ful respect Of CIR Tyler is an honor 10
her aud has made her name rcyerenced
ny all who have had knowledge ii the
tender relations that have existed be-
tween them. Although 20 suddenly be-
reayed. Mr. aud Mrs Tyler have the con.
ISOLATION ~ having ministered with kindly
care 10 his closing hours u life, aud
bearing him 70 rest with their kindred,
amid the soenss u bis earlier years.
Benjamin Smith vas a man Possessed
of more than ordinary intellectual power.
--t4-l, --4sl ".i,Ivsti0ns .nnh have
placed him in the front rank. II profes.
sional life He, however. improved tho
limited mcans afforded him 10 the best
advantage, hnd was man with large
fund u intelligence. which, coupled with
his rich natural gifts, enabled him 10
impart useful instruction 10 all associated
with him, especially 70 the young. Few
men in advanced age mingled more ge-
nially among young men, aud he was at
once an instructor and companion. He
sought their society, and hundreds of the
young men in Vermont will be IN adc sad
by the announcement Of his death.
Mr.. Smiths prominence in public life
has been more Immediately connected
with the Masonic institution Soon after
attaining his majority, he connected him.
self with that institution, and ever stood
firm rock in defence Of its principles,
while the storm of opposition beat around
it in all its fury, and lived to witness the
discontinue of its enemies, and TO see il
again rise in its strength, and in the full /
tide Of prosperity. He labored side by |
side with such men a. Nathan b. Haswell, |
Philip G. Tucker, and Barzillai Owen |
port, in the work, aud was their steadfast /
friend, all Of whom have passed on before |
him, except Mr.. Davenport, who, with
steps, was permitted to stand by |
the grave of his friend and brother, and /
reflect that he alone of that fraternal /
band remained. Mr.. Smith was for many /
years Master of Center Lodge. before the
lays Of anti-masonry, and we believe was
the first Master of the present Center
Lodge, and had held many of the higher
,ffices, both in the Grand Lodge, and
Grand Chapter of Vermont He was a
leep student of Masonic history, and none
n his vigor was his superior in its ritual
He was long an instructor of the craft,
md his memory will remain precious to
he Masons of Vermont, and it is source
# regret that his brethren were not
to bury him with Masonic no n
'rs and plant the Acacia at his grave.
Benjamin Smith was a man of rare in
dependence of character, warm, cordial
friend, a genial companion-an honored
,rother.
He leaves daughter, Mrs. w. A.
Tyler, and two sons, one of whom resides