Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-10-05
Death of VIM. Prescott Smith, Esq.


It is our unpleasant duty to announce that
Wm Prescott smith, Esq, died yesterday ev-
e,inc. az his residence, corner Of Parkin and
HolHus streets, in this city, after an illness
which. in its more sssivus aud alarming iea-
lures. had been Of but few days duration.-
Tie sad intelligence Of his decease will be re-
ccived everywhere with profound regret, not
suly IN our own community. but in other cities,
where Sir. Smiths many admirablo aud at
troctiye qualities had made lin hosts of
friends. Here his loss will be especially felt
bv the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Csmpa-
ny. which is deprived by his death Of valua-
DE and trusted officer, and by the community
ut large. which loses in him a kindly, useful
aud philosophical citizen His in fact, was
a rare combination of qualities seldom united
in the same man. The high estimation in
which Bis business capacity and talents as an
administration ana manager Of men were held
is shown By the number Of important positions
which. during his life, be had been called up
on 70 al. Entering the service of the Balti-
more and Ohio Railroad Company twenty-five
years ago, under the presidency Of Mr.. Swami,
as assistant to the then master Of tranSporta-
tion his merits gained for him rapid promo
ton. Ia 1860, Mr. Garrett being then presi-
dent Of the road, bs was appointed to the va
cant position Of master Of transportation
This arduous post be continued to ell with
great efficiency and tact during the whole try
ing period Of the war, when the resources Of
the road were taxed to its utmost capacity,
and often under circumstances Of unGsual diff
Guilty. Resgniug his position in 1866, be was
temporarily engaged as a commissioner, by
appointment Of President johnson, to exam
inc and report upon the condition Of the Pa
cifc railroad, then in progress Of construction.
Afterwards, and until July, 1868, he was col
lsctor Of internal revenue for the third district
Of Maryland, which place he resigned to be-
come manager Of the combination through
line Of railroad from Washington ia New
York. On the FIRST Of September last no was
again reappointed master Of transportation Of
the Baltimore and Ohio railroad.
In the midst of all these arduous and en-
crossing occupations, Mr.. Smith yet found
time to indulge and cultivate social gifts of ne
ordinary kind, and to manifest his interest in
art and in various enterprises devoted to the
moral and social Improvement Of the commun-
ity. The Maryland Institute in particular in
it, early days, was largely indebted to bis
zeal and intelligence in promoting its success
His versatility was something remarkable
while his thorough equality Of disposition and
the largeness of his views and sympathis'
made him universally popular He gained
political prstcrmsnt without being politician
and in tiaes Of the greatest excitement enjoy
ed the respect and goodwill Of men Of all par
ties. rs an illustration Of the kindness o.
Mr.. Smiths character, our citizens will moi
soon forget the zeal and heartiness with which
he entered into various schemes for c0mbiu'
ing lunolcLL amusement Win Dch6NOl-hCe
himself being the chief contributor to theii
success, willis strangers as we'll as citizens
have occasion t. remember the Astounding
hospitality which he 50 well knew how to dis
pepse- baltimore SIN, 2ad
We beg leave to miogIe our sympathies Will
those Of the family acd numerous friends o
the deceased We can truly say, that in liit
somewhat extended and an intercourse witt
men Of all conditions, we have never met witt
a man who, in all respects, filed so gracefully
and perfectly the character Of an intelligent
urbare aud genial gentleman.
An the cars and engines Of all the trains
running on the b. IS o. R. r. its branches
as well as the Depot buildings along the line
have been draped in mourning since the dealt
Of Mr. Smith-a tribute to the memory of q
great aud good man, which shows how highly
hewas appreciated aud how seriously lis los
is felt by the company.