Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1890-03-26
General Francis II. Smith.


Elk SUPERINTENDENT OF THE VIRGINIA
MILITARY lNsT1TuTE-A BRIEF SKETCH
OF HIS HIsToRY-HIs DEATH AND BURI-
AL.
General Francis Il. Smith graduated at
West Point in 1888, and from that day for
ward for nearly fifty seven years, history
will be searched in vain for the name of
any of his contemporaries more successful or
more honored in the work to which his life
was devoted. He was born in Norfolk,
October 18th, 1912, and died in Lexington,
March 21st, 1890 After graduating, he
was assigned as Lieutenant of Engineers
aud assistant Professor of Mathematics at
West Point, where he remained till 1887,
when he was chosen to fill the Chair of Ma
thematics in Hampden Sidney College.
For several years previous to 1S53-1e39
Colonel ohm T. L. Preston originated and
was the first to suggest the discontinuance
of the company of regulars on duty at the
barracks at Lexington guarding the arsenal
and arms deposited therein, and to substi-
tute therefor military school, the Cadets
of which would become the guard, which
wise proposition was thoroughly discussed
by that gentlemen in the public prints and
before the legislature, and by that body
through several sessions. The bill for the
purpose became law, and the Virginia
Military Institute entered upon its career
November 18th, 1889, with Major Francis
81. Smith, Superintendent, and Colonel
Preston as associate professor. With the
fifty years of continuous service as Super
intendent of the Institute, closing With the
graduation of the class of the fiftieth An.
nual exercises in 1889, his labors as such
have passed into history, AID his name and
distinguished abilities as an educator, COM
bining herewith administrative capacity
which was often noted as the most conspic-
uous of his times, presents an illustration
of attainments, experience, and devotion
which has scarcely parallel. When retir-
ing from the Institute, General Smith laid
out other work for himself-to contribute
to the annals of our times a history of the
Institute. 1t was to BE- comprehensive
history. None could write it so thoroughly,
80 accurately, and make it so full of interest
as he. He was engaged upon it when so
suddenly called to exchange earthly honors
for the brighter joys of Heaven. 1t is to
be hoped it was completed, but if not, in
his associations at the Institute and among
the hundreds of distinguished and learned
men of the Alumni, there will surely be-
found those willing to finish his great de-
sign.
Up to the 18th instant, when paralysis of
his right side laid him upon his dying bed,
General Smith appeared to enjoy his usual
good health and cheertuluess, After that
he could only be understood by signs. The
announcement of his sickness, like the
mournful tidings of his death, was received
throughout the State and the country with
expressions of the deepest sorrow. All
duties at the Institute were Immediately
suspended, and the whole community bow
ed in grief.
GA receipt of the intelligence at Rich
mond, Governor Mo Kinney issued suitable
orders of respect at the capital, and at the
Institute, and that General Mod onald, the
Adjotant- General, should attend the funer-
al services at Lexington as the representa-
tive of the State. Societies of the Alumni
at Richmond, Lexington, and other parts
of the S ate assembled and passed resolu-
lions, and delegations from those bodies
were in attendance at the funeral There
were two present among the honorary pail
bears who were graduates Of 1S42, the first
graduating class-General Wyatt NJ. Elliott,
of Lynohbarg, and Colonel E. G. Pendle-
ton, of Lexington. Governor Fowle, of
North CAiolina, communicated the feelings
of the Cadets of the Virginia Military Insti-
tute of his State, and deputed Captain
Cameron of his staff to repair to Lexington
to represent that State at the funeral.
These many testimonials from the Alumni
scattered over many States besides Virgin
ia, and expressions of sympathy and regret
from prom ;nent citizens all over the coun.
try testify TO tho general bereavement.
General Smith was from early life a
communicate of the Episcopal Church, and
a leading member ia its councils. He was
the first to lay it's foundation in Lexington,
and lived to witness its growth to one Of
the largest congregations, and to see it
worshiping in an edifce ranking in beauty
and elegance with any in the State. To it
were contributed not only his own, but the
special donations of his wife, who died some
years ago. The chimes Of that sweet-toned
bell, which was her gift, will ever asso-
ciate her zane with the Christian work Of
her husband. not less fruitful in religious
instruction to the cadet-classes through
ffty years of time than it was in the ele
CANT array of talents and proficiency that
went forth bearing the honors of the In
stitute in academic, scientific, and soldierly
attainments.
Some years before 1880, Major Smith
was promoted to Colonel, and when the
Legislature of that year determined to place
the State in good shape for armed defence,
it created Military Board of three Com
missioners to aid Governor Letcher in that
branch of the public service. The Gov
ernor appointed Colonel Smith, General
Philip St. Geo. Cooke, of Powhatan, and
Hon. F. r. Mallory, of Norfolk, to con-
stitute the Board. Mr.. Mallory declined,
and General GEO. W. Randolph, then
Captain of the Howltzer Battery of Rich
mond, was appointed in his stead, and in
the Board with the aid of that elegant
officer and accomplished gentleman, the
late General Charles Dimmock, Chief of
Ordnance, Governor Letcher had the wisest
and best counsel of the Old Common.
wealth. In the meantime, Colonel Smith
was Dromoted to Major General of Enpi-