The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1924-11-13

and at the death of his father, he
assumed the cares and responsibilities
which fall upon the eldest son in
similar cases.
Mr.. Smith received an excellent
education and was a former pupil at
the old Bloomfield Academy At the
age of eighteen years, he engaged in
| teaching in the district schools of his
community, continuing to make his
home with his mother on the farm.
On September 10. 1862, he enlisted as
a private in Company D, oath Maine
Volunteer Infantry and was mustered
Into the United States service at Au-
gusta October 18th. 1862. He re-
manned with his regiment at Augusta
until October goth, when the same
was transferred to Long Island. From
there starting on January II, 1853, it
was taken by the transport ship, Liz
zie Southard' to New Orleans. arriv
ing there February ID, 1863. On Feb
ruary 25th, he left New Orleans for
louisiana and on May 21st. was
transferred to Fort Hudson. The
soldiers arrived on the night of May
23rd, and camped on Fort Hudson
Plains. The regiment participated
in two of the important actions that
occurred during the siege at Fort
Hudson the same being fought May
eth and June 18th During the six
ty-thfee days spent there, Mr.. Smith
In company with the men of his regi-
ment. experienced the trying ordeals
that are generally endured by the as
sailants in a protracted siege. He
was given the rank of sergeant early
in his service. After the expiration
OF his enlistment. he was mustered
out on August rs. 1863. On return
ing TO civil life Mr.. Smith again en-
gagged in teaching and farming but
after about one year, went to Bureau
County, Illinois, where he worked on
a farm. In 1865, however, he re-
turned to Cornville. and assumed the
entire care of the homestead place.
In various branches of husnandry. he
was very successful and became
thoughtful student of all things per-
tanning to agriculture. For five
years, he was director of the Show
hogan Jersey Creamery and as selling
agent made possible sales in many
places in Massachusetts His deep
interest in agricultural topics led
him to write articles of keen interest
for various publications. What is
believed to have been the first article
which he attempted for publication
was in the Democratic Clarion in 1857.
Others followed and some of the ar
ticles were also published in THE
Mirror and Farmer of Manchester,
\. H.. some in the Maine Farmer and
several in The Turf, Farm and Home.
One of his latest articles was an es
say, 1.-THE Status of the Farmer and
this was published in the Somerset
Reporter. the predecessor of the pres
ont INTERPRETATIONS
Mr.. Smith held Offices of trust and
responsibility in both the town and
county. He served as selectman of
Cornvile for many terms and was
supervisor of schools and "A member
of the school committee for long
period of years. He held the Office
of county commissioner for six years.
Politically. Mr.. Smith was an ardent
Republican and took great interest in
political matters. His faith in his
party, however did not prevent him
from voting for the man whom he
believed TO be the best fitted for pub
lie Office. His lodge affiliations were
with the Grand Army and Skowhegan
Grange.
In his recent years. Mr.. Smith has
cultivated a fine garden in which he
took great pride as he was a great be-
lever in honest toll He believed in
plain living, simple food, moderate
eating and the cultivation of such