The Washington times., 1906-08-14
Over Half a Century Citi-
zen of Washington, 3
Years StenOgrapher
at the Capitol.

\ telegram from Connecticut just
received announces the death Of
Francis H. Smith at the summer re-
sort, where nc had gone with his
daughter, Mrs. \. r. Holden.
Away Seeking Health.
Mr.. Smith had not been well for
several months and it was thought
the change would greatly benefit
him. His death will be a great
shock to a large number Of the peO-
pie of this city who have known
him for many years as one Of the
most highly respected Of its citi-
zens. His son. Z. Quincy Smith,
viii return with the body tonight.
A Man of Affairs.
Mr.. Smith was president Of the Union
Savings Bank, president of the L. II
Smith Real Estate Company. and presI-
dent Of the w. II. West Company He
was also prominent officer In many
ether large corporate and business en-
terprises. a leader n church and char
lkl hOEk IN the D45LlcLr ana a famous
stenOgrapher OF the old times.
lie was born at Washington, LitChtield
county. Conn, March II, 1928. He WAS
the son OF Samuel Mansfield Smith. His
mothers maiden name was Miss Eliza
Wheeler. Mr.. Smith was educated In
the public schools of his home town.
He was q great student Of literature and
civic affairs. business and political lie
studied sJrenuOusly at the Winsted High
School. A year or two after this course
Esa n
family of a Virginia planter.
In 1870 Mr.. Smith came TO Washing
ton. For a quarter OF a century, until
1875, ne was a sLen. grapher in the Sen
years Of this period he was official
StenOErapher OF the House. Mr.. Smith
also reported for the old Associated
Press the trial by cOurJ-martal of those
implicated In the assassination Of Pres
ident Lincoln, and the later trial Of
John II. Surratt after his arrest In Rome
and his return 10 the United States.
After Tesigning his position at the
Capitol Mr. Smith was appointed by
General Grant member Of the board
OF Indian commissioners. which at the
time had supervision Of the entire In
dian service.
He was also president and directing
-.'~'+ NJ the Union Savings Bank He
founded and built up the F. II. Smith
lie was also one Of the founders of
the Colonial Fire Insurance Company
Of this city. and vice president Of the
International Building and Loan As
ISOLATION. He was a member OF the
Board of Trade. Of the Business Mem s
Association. and a member Of the board
of Fire Underwriters.
Director in Schools and Hospitals.
Mr.. Smith formerly lived at Hyatts-
vile. Nd. and for several years was
president of the first board Of commits
siOners. He was a director and a mem
Der OF the executive committee of the
Columbia Hospital for Women, and a
director and a member of the executive
committee for Howard University.
He had lived for tftv-two years in
He was a Royal Arch and
a Master Mason. He was married forty
five years ago TO Miss Anna Birge, of
Vermont, the daughter of Cyrus and
Adeline Birg5, and whose death occurred
in 1896.
Mr.. Smith was the father OF four
children-Frank B., r. Quincy, Adalyn
s (AIrs. A. r. Holden), and Louis Percy,
OF whom two, L. Quincy Smith and Mrs
Holden, survive. There are four grand
children, Dyer Smith Miss Enid Holden,
annie Holden. and Randall Holden.