Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1898-03-24
EDWARD CURTIS SMITH.

EDWAK LUX lS Smiln.
Edward Curtis Smith of ST. Adams
was 40 years old January 9th, 1898.
Three generations of his ancestors
have been conspicuously identified with
the material prosperity and the politi-
cal history of Vermont. The subject Of
this sketch in his business career is
now completing full century OF an
honorable family record begun by his
great grandfather, Samuel Smith, con-
tinued by his grandfather, John Smith,
and his father, j. Gregory Smith. +.
C. Smith is the third direct descendant
horn i'm the Green Mountain state of a
patriotic sire who was one of the ''em
battled farmers that resisted British
tyranny at Lexington, Concord and
Bunker Hill, Samuel Smith served as
private in n Massachusetts, regiment in
the Revolutionary war, and after peace
had been declared, came to Vermont
and purchased farm in st. Adams.
Il is worthy of note that the paternal
AS well as maternal ancestors of Col.
smith rendered conspicuous service to
the government during the most
eventful periods in the history of the
country. A distinguished colonial
governor. revolutionary patriot, an
abolition leader and United States SEN
ator. and a war governor of Vermont
were his antecedents.
+. c. Smith was seven years old
when the war of the Union began, and
during the four years that followed he
received most impressive object les
son in patriotism and loyalty ut the
home of his father. j Gregory Smith,
whose services as speaker OF the
house and governor of Vermont
covered that period. The grandfather
of L. c. Smith was prominent figure
in business and political circles for
many wears. He served nine years in
the Vermont legislature, and was
speaker of the house three terms. lie
was also Il member of congress from
1889 to 1872 John Smith was the
pioneer protector of the Vermont and
Canada and the Vermont Central rail-
roads, and was president of both COM
panies. He invested large sum III
these enterprises and was one OF the
managers of these roads until his
death in 1867, when j. Gregory smith
succeeded his father in the manage
ment of these roads. and continued as
head of the Central Vermont system
until 1891. when he in turn was sue
ceeded by his son, Edward Curtis
Smith. who is now president OF the
Central Vermont Railroad company.
In this connection, it may be of inter
est 10 note the fact that for half CEN
tuay. and through three generations,
the leading railroad system OF Yer
mont has been managed by the smith
family These three railroad presl-
dents were also lawyers. The mental
equipment and business ability pos
sessed by his father and grandfather
Is inherited to a large degree by Ed
ward Curtis Smith. who stands upon
his own merits and enjoys a justly
merited reputation as an able and sag
aciOns railway manager.
Mr.. Smith obtained his early cduca-
ton at the st. Adams High school. lie
Subsequently entered Yale college
from whence he graduated in his
twenty-iirSt year. He was a leading
figure in athletic sports and for two
years was chum and room mate OF
Bob Cook, the celebrated coach OF
the VARSITY crew. Col Smith was
one of the VARSITY Baseball club,
and also a member of the Freshman
boat crew.
After returning to st. Adams IN 1871,
he became the junior partner in the
law firm OF Noble Il Smith. The
firm enjoyed a lucrative practice and
gained an excellent reputation. In
1889 Col. Smith was elected second
vice president Of the Central Vermont
railroad and assumed the duties of
general manager of the road. He con
tinued as such until the death of his
iather in 1891, when he succeeded, as
before stated. to the presidency Of the
company. Col. Smith has displayed
rare executive ability in the manage
ment of the Central Vermont railroad
system. He organized the Ogdens-
burg Transit company, with n line OF
boats plying between Chicago and Og-
denSburg. and became president Of the
company. He also organized the Og-
densburg Terminal company, and
originated and carried to a successful
conclusion numerous arrangements for