The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1885-09-21


Entered His Goth Year.
RdnsnlOn trd) Cor. Of Tie Baltimore Sun.
Ex-Governor William Smith entered his
Goth year on the 9th inst. He passes his
time industriously and pleasantly at his
beautiful suburan home at Wauerton,
Va, experimenting his 500 broad acres,
which stretch out for mile from his
home. The ext Governor, although he has
passed considerably the Shy reason OF
strength age" OF four score OF Scripture,
yet is only venerable in years, his speech
being as emphatic, his carriage as prompt
and erect, and his faculties as clear as any
man Of 80. He Is up at dawn every morn
ing and has always led busy life, not
overstrained with work, allowing nothing
10 depress him or retard him in the
realization OF his plans in life. This,
together with q wise temperance, is the
secret OF the prolongation Of his days.
In his age he is probably more entitled to
the cognomen OF Extra Billy" than in
his prime, when 1t was name by which
he was known ell over the United States.
From an early period in this century the
Ex-Governor has been the recipient OF
many distinguished honors from the PEG.
pie OF Virginia. Twice Governor Of the
State, Representative from Virginia in
Congress for several terms, and Major
General in the Confederate army, were
among the notable positions q trust 10
which no has been called. He voluu-
teered at the commencement Of the war
at IS, was wounded twice, and left the
field with high record to assume his
second term OF service as Governor Of
Virginia.
Only three Of large family Of children
are living. His only daughter presides
over his delightful home with pleasing
grace, and extends to host OF friends an
elegant hospitality. She associates with
the care OF her fathers declining years
sad watching over the graves and mem
cries Of the Confederate dead. Colonel
Thomas Smith and Captain Frederick
Smith are the only sous surviving. The
latter lives in New Mexico, and is very
prominent in that territory. Colonel
Thomas Smith is leading LAWYER Of the
Warrenton bar, and the recent aud pro.
spective delegate in the Virginia Legisla-
ture from L0udoun and FAuquier. He
was great pet OF General Early's during
the war. He had splendid regiment,
made so by his discipline. 1t is claimed
for him that he saved Early's army at
Fishers Hill, and his regiment never
broke, and kept Elrly's rear intact until
he could rally his routed troops. Colonel
Smiths commission as btigadier-general
was made out at the time Of tho surrender.
de, q few years ago, fought Elan, editor
Of the Richmond Wing, IN duel near
Richmond, wounding Elan in the mouth
at the first FIRE.
James Caleb Smith, who went to Cali
to1nia with his father, the Ex-Governor,
In 1850, died there some years afterwards
q prominent citizen. Governor Smith
and his son became ut once prominent
leaders in the Democratic party OF Cali.
forria. James Caleb Smith became in
volyed in duel with Senator Broderick.
The duel took place at Sacramento and
was witnessed by 5000 people, Governor
Smith being one Of the spectators. Ac-
cording TO the rules OF the code, each were
10 surrender all articles from their pock-
cts. Broderick, drawing his watch from
ub lpD puCAbt3 OLSLGh ~ oulAShHS bANb
Il Smith so desired, but, Smith intimating
that it was immaterial, Broderick restored
it to his fob. Smith put four balls through
Broderick's watch and cut the chain with
another. Smith was untouched and Brod-
erick uninjured. The watch Was hung
up in a public place in Sacramento.
William Smith the Oldest son, was mid
shipman in the navy and lost in the
Indian Ocean. A portrait hanging in his
fathers parlor shows him to have been a
splendid looking man. His son, Austin
Smith, was killed at Seven Pines few
days after being exchanged from Fort
Warren, where he had been confined q
political prisoner from theoutbreak OF the
war in California. He was shot soon after
he appeared upon his frat battlefield.
Peter Bell Smith, prominent member oil
the Warrenton bar, was accidentally
killed soon after the war by apistol which
dropped from his hand and exploded.
The Ex-Governor has been most
| nethodical in preserving the records Of
bis official life. They afford material for
valuable and interesting historical work,
and his friends entertain the hope that be
may at an early day be induced to give to
the public from his own pen a volume OF
more Of his "reminiscences.