Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1909-01-19
WlLLlMANTIC.
Death of 5enaiah E. Smith, Promi-
nent C. A. r. Man, Member 21st
Reqiment.

Benajah Eli Smith died at his home,
Monday morning. after a long illness
of Addison's disease Mr.. Smith had
been in poor health for more than a
year, and a year ago last fall was
pensioned by the American Thread
company after a long and faithful pc
riod Of service in tleir employ. Dur
ing the last of July he was obliged
to give up and take to his bed, and
the end has Been almost momentarily
expected ever since.
lie was born in Northford October
Is, 1885. son of Benajah and Angelina
(Linsly) Smith. Mr.. Smith received
his education in the schools Of that
town and lived there until 20 years
old. then removing TO Poquonnock.
August 2. 1862, he enlisted in Com
pany A, Twenty regiment, Con-
necticut volunteers, at Windsor He
spent one year in hospital duty and
was with the regiment in all of its
engagements, being at Cold Harbor,
Fredericksburg and Drurys Bluff. He
was hOnCrabiy discharged at Peters
burg. Va, June IS, 1865.
Mr. Smith returned to Poquonnock
after the war and resided there until
1877. when he entered the employ Of
LAA' W AAAtAleLlltAN lA4lEAA Al NA4A5
city as second hand for Overseer Amos
NJ. Hathaway. He was made overseer
Of the twisting room two years later
and held that place for more than
thirty years. During his long service
Tor the NillimautiC Linen company
and the American Thread company,
Mr. Smith exhibited excellent traits
Of character that endeared him TO all
with FEom he was associated.
NfrrsH1 % married Miss
Caroline NJ. Hathaway Of PoquOnnock.
He was q prominent member Of
Francis S. Long post. No. 80, c. A
r., and had held many Of the high
offices i'm the department Of Connect
. cut, Grand Army OF the Republic. He
had held every Office in the local post
and In 1892 was department comman-
der Of the state. The department en-
campment was held here during his
term of office. and an interesting fea-
ture Of the exercises was the presen-
tatiOu to Mr.. Smith of a handsome
gold past department commanders
badge He was secretary Of the
TWenty-first regimental association
for many years and had also belonged
to and held Office in the Association
Of Regimental Secretaries and was
chairman of the Twenty first regi-
ment committee to arrange for the
next regimcntal reunion.
Mr.. Smith was closely identified with
the First Congregational church. He
took great interest in religious mat
ters and was a life member Of the
American Tract society lie was also
life member of the American board
Of commissioners for foreign missions.
Politically, Mr.. Smith was staunch
republican and had held Offices under
both the borough and city govern
ments. He was a member OF the board
Of aldermen in 1889 and 1900 and while
on the board was thoroughly and deep
ly interested in all city affairs, al
ways an efficient and able member.
He was a member from the Fourth
ward today his son Frank NJ. smith,
ie a member from the second. Mr..
smith was also a valued member of
the Venerable club of Wiudham and
had held the Office Of secretary Of the
organization. He was q member of
the local lodge of the Ancient Order
Of United WCrkmen.
He is survived by a widow and fve
children Miss Annie Hathaway Smith
Of Boston Bcnaiah Smith Of New Ha-
ven. Frank NJ. Smith. Mrs. Maude II
Demiug and Ellison s. Smith Of this
/ city.