Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1903-10-01
Death of Henry c. Smith.

The following notice of the death of
Henry c. Smith OF Haydenville, a village
in Williamsburg, Mass, is copied from the
Northampton Daily Herald OF Sept. 21st.
The town Of Williamsburg has lost one
Of its most prominent and valued citizens
in the death OF Henry {. Smith, chairman
OF the Board of Selectmen, which occurred
Saturday afternoon at his home in Hay
denville. The news Of his death came with
a surprise and shock to many OF his
townspeople and to his acquaintance in
this section of the country, for it was not
generally known that he was seriously i'll.
Williamsburg and Haydenville citizens
viii fesl keenly the loss Of Mr.. Smith. For
years he had given himself faithfully and
unreseryedly to the service Of the town in
whatever official position he had been
placed, also to the church and various
semi-public organizations with which he
was connected. He had high ideals and
as the leading public official OF the town
he stood for the strict observance of law
and order.
Mr.. Smith was never an office seeker,
and in every instance OF his choice for a
position of responsibility it was a case Of
the office seeking the man. He accepted
office because Of his high sense of public
duty and his willingness to place that
above personal convenience and in
terests. His townsmen haC perfect con-
tidence in his ability, judgment and in
/ tegrity, and manifested that confidence by
repeatedly electing him selectmHn regard
less Of party affiliations. Though a man
OF strong will and we'll balanced mind he
was not demonstrative or domineering,
and the townspeople had warm admira-
tion OF his personal qualities in addition to
{ their respect for his executive ability. His
kindly disposition won many friends who
/ viii regard his death as personal loss.
| Fifteen years ago Mr.. Smith was first
! elected selectman, and, with the exception
/ OF an interruption Of year or two at his
own desire, had held that office ever since.
I for several years being chairman of the
/ Board. He mad also held various other
offices, including those of member Of the
school committee, member Of the Meekins
{ library committee, trustee of the Collins
school fund, and chairman OF the new
Board of Water Commissioners By the
I ProhibltIonlsts he had been successfully
nominated for representative, senator,
secretary OF state and lieutenant governor.
He was secretary Of the Haydenviue saw
ngs Bank and trustee for the Cemetery
association. Mr.. Smith was active in re-
hglous work, and was a deacon in the
Z Haydeuyille church.
Henry c, Smith was born in Barnard.
/ Vt, and WAS the son Of Mr.. and Mrs. still
man Smith. In his early youth he moved
70 Royaiton, Vt, with his parents. and
later attended Royalton Academy. He en-
listed for service in the Civil war in the
9TH Vt. regiment, and was leader of the
regiment band. He served one year, and
upon his return became clerk in a store.
and later partner In the business. under
the firm name Of Sylvester & Smith. He
was married when in business in Royalton
70 Miss Helen Fay Of that town. In iS66
! Mr.. smith and his wiie's brother, Chaun-
. cey ". Fay. bought a general store in
! haydenylle, which has been conducted
under the name Of Smith 4 Fay for 81
: years.
The funeral vas held Monday afternoon