Morning journal and courier., 1889-12-05

G DEATH OF GENERAL s. R. SMITH. His Death Early Yesterday Morning.
 An Impesing Military Funeral To He Arranged Tn Honor Of His Long
 and Brilliant Connection With the C0nnecticut National Guard.
 General Stephen R. Smith died at his home on Bradley street, near Orange, yester- day morning at about o'clock. He had been in an unconscious state since last Fri day, from which he never rallied. His death was due to organic disease of the brain. In his death an esteemed citizen, warm-hearted friend and philosophical man has parsed | away. Under General Smith the career of the Second regiment was of most brilliant character, refecting more than usual honor and credit upon our city and State. Its re- nown as . frst-class, thoroughly disciplined and enterprising militia regiment was ex- tended over many States, and in large measure it's success was due to the masterly | spirit of General Smith and his high quail ties as an executive officer, and as a com- mandant. His staff of officers was also one l unusually strong and influential. Personally | General Smith was beloved by 8 very large circle of friends, and his death is widely re- | gretted in our city and State. He leaves | two brothers, Joseph A. Smith of New York, formerly teller of the Yale National bank l and at one time town treasurer of New Ha- ven, and Charles Smith, a merchant in Philadelphia. His father and mother. his | wife and two brothers, Rev. John Eaton Smith and Alpheus Smith, preceded him to | that bourne whence no traveller returns. General Smiths funeral will take place from l St. Thomas church on Saturday afternoon at 9 o'clock.
 General Stephen R. Smith was in his fifty | fourth year at the time of his death, having been born in Whitneyville on August 28, | 1836 His father was a gunmaker by occu- | patton in the employ of the Whitney Arms company. He died at the age of forty-seven | in December, 1855. His mother was daugh- ter of Captain Stephen Richards, 6 noted sea captain residing in West Haven.
 | In early childhood General Smith was placed under the instruction of the late Amos Smith, g teacher of boys, where he acquired | his early education. As boy he was very alert and quick of perception, and these char | acteristics have followed him through life. It is related that after school hours he earned one time carrying three routes daily, besides feeding the press and doing up the morning mail.
 At the age of fourteen he entered mercan- tile life as bookkeeper in large dry goods house in New Haven, which he surrendered year later to accept another more impor- tant position, relinquishing this in turn to accept clerkship in the New Haven Savings bank. In three years he arose to the posi~ tion of head clerk.
 He was prominent in the organization of the Tradesmen's bank, and in February, 1856, he accepted the position of teller of the City bank of New Haven, where he re. mained until engaging in the business on his own account in February, 1864 He en- gagged in the coal business, which prospered under his management, and he amassed 8 competence which was swept away by financial reversss, and in 1880 he relin- quished his own business to become the man. ager of the New York house of the Winches- ter Repeating Arms company. He remained in this position until 1888, when he accepted position with the houfishing banking house of Watson & Gibson in New York and T. I. Watson & Go. of Bridgeport, in the manage ment of which he was actively engaged until he was stricken down with the illness that cost him his life.
 Gen. Smiths military life began by his joining the Grays which was in 1858 He served in the several grades of private and corporal and sergeant until October 7, 1863, when he was appointed adjutant of the Sec ond regiment by Colonel s. w. Kellogg. He was re-appointed by Colonel s. E. Merwin and served as adjutant until June 4, 1868, when upon the retirement oe Colonel Merwin he became major. On August 16, 1869, he became lieutenant colonel, and August 9, 1871, was promoted to the colonelcy of the regiment, which he held until 1874, when he resigned. A year later he was again elected to assume command of the regiment and was commissioned colonel on January IS, 1876, it being the unanimous wish of the officers and men of the regiment that he accept.
 During his command of the Second, in cursion to New York and New Jersey took place. Before their starting General Smith, in the presence of the regiment and large concourse of people, was presented, as 0 tes- timonial of esteem and appreciation of his indefatigable services for the advancement of our military interests, with splendid sn.Sp sosns sSo EaSsyOr Lewis made the speech of presentation. At New York the Second were guests of the Seventh regiment, Colonel Emmons Clark. On the trip into New Jersey, to Waverly Fair grounds. the Second were accompanied by the Seventh, New York. The late Governor Parker of New Jersey delivered the address fair grounds. General Kellogg replied for Connecticut. The late governor Jewell was at that time governor of Connecticut and the late John T. Hoffman was governor of New York. The most famous excursion of the regiment was that it made to Washington under Gen. Smith in March, 1873. Owing to the detention en route of the Second Connecticut and Fifth New York, commanded by the late Colonel Charley Spencer, and various other regi- meute, these commands did not arrive in time to participate in the inauguration cere- monies and President Grant specially re- viewed the Second regiment on the following day, the regiment winning national renown by its very superior drill marching and man. covering. The late Vice President Wilson marched in the ranks with the guests of the Second later in the day, on his way to the treasury building. On the reviewing stand with Gen. Grant witnessing the reviewing of the Second were the late Gen. Hancock, the late Gov. Jewell. the late Senator Bucking- ham; also Gent Hawley, Gen. 8. E. Merwin and Gen Kellogg.
 Gen. Smith continued in command of the Second until July 8, 1878, when he was called to command the brigade by Governor Richard D. Hubbard. He continued in com mand until January 8. 1885, when he was appointed adjutant general by Governor Har- rison. At the close of the latters adminis- tration General Smith retired to private life and has devoted himself exclusively to his business with the Bridgeport banking firm ever since. From his first connection with the National Guard General Smiths popu- larity has never waned. A writer says of him; "As diseiplinarian he is man who can hold men to the striotest possible per- formance of duty and yet retain not only their respect, but their hearty good will. He has in every position he has held more than sustained reputation already exceptionally high, while his long service in the guard with his heart in the work, has rendered him thoroughly familiar with all its details from the most important to the most minute"
 In civil life General Smith was prominent in many enterprises affecting New Haven. He was Republican in politics, but never was a candidate for any of the higher offices in the gift of the people. He served for seven years as secretary of the board of engi- neers of the old fire department; has served his ward one year as councilman, and subse- quently for nearly three years as alderman. He was veteran and high standard Mason, and was connected with the Knights of Honor and various other secret societies, in all of which he was prominent and much be- loved, and had served in various capacities as an officer.
 Arranging For the Funeral.
 Adjutant General Barbour, Gen. Graham, Col. Dohsrty, Col. Lee, Col. White, Col. Fox, den. Merwin, and Capt, Stratton met