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Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Smith

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Birth	:	29 Jul 1837 Harrison County, West Virginia, USA
Death	:	22 Apr 1915 Hannibal, Marion County, Missouri, USA
Burial	:	Shelby Memorial Cemetery, Shelbyville, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate	:	39.8046330, -92.0448310
Description	:	Occupation: Retired Merchant MO d/c 13361 BENJAMIN F. SMITH (Proprietor of the Shelby House, aad Farmer and Stock-raiser, Shelbyville). Among the names of the respected and worthy citizens of Shelby county is justly included that of the subject of the present sketch. Mr. Smith descends from two old and excellent Virginia families — the Smiths and Parrs, Hon. George William Smith, Governor of Virginia, who lost his life at the burning of the Richmond theater, in 1811, was a distinguished representative of the same family to which Mr. S. belongs, on his father's side. The Thorntons of that... Read More	Occupation: Retired Merchant MO d/c 13361 BENJAMIN F. SMITH (Proprietor of the Shelby House, aad Farmer and Stock-raiser, Shelbyville). Among the names of the respected and worthy citizens of Shelby county is justly included that of the subject of the present sketch. Mr. Smith descends from two old and excellent Virginia families — the Smiths and Parrs, Hon. George William Smith, Governor of Virginia, who lost his life at the burning of the Richmond theater, in 1811, was a distinguished representative of the same family to which Mr. S. belongs, on his father's side. The Thorntons of that State and their descendants are also related to this branch of the Smith family. Both his grandfathers, Smith and Parr, served for the Colonies in the War of the Revolution, and one or both of them lived to do service for their country in the War of 1812. Both received Government land warrants for their services. Mr. Smith, himself, is a native Virginian, born in Harrison county (now of West Virginia), July 29, 1837, He was the third in the family of 10 children of Charles Smith and wife, nee Nancy Parr, his father born and reared in Fauquier county, Va., and his mother also in Fauquier county, that State, In early life his father went to Alabama, where he became overseer on a large cotton plantation near Mobile. Later along he removed to West Virginia, and subsequently followed farming for some years in Harrison county, of that State. In 1857 he came to Missouri with his family and settled in Shelby county, where he resided, engaged principally in farming, until his death. He lived to reach the age of 77, dying at his homestead in this county, June 23, 1882. He was a man universally respected and esteemed wherever he was known. A quiet, unobstrusive citizen and a man of industry, he was at the same time generally remarked for his intelligence and originality of thought. Though not what may be called a man of culture, he, nevertheless, had a good general education and was especially fond of reading, thus becoming a man of more than ordinary general information. He took a deep interest in church matters, and was an earnest member of the Protestant Methodist Church. For many years he was a class-leader in his church in West Virginia, but after his removal to this State never united himself with any denomination here, as there was none convenient, for a long time, of his own particular faith. He, however, held fast to the doctrines of the Methodist Church, and died an earnest adherent of that faith. The mother still lives, and is a most estimable, motherly-hearted. Christian lady, and is held in high esteem by all her neighbors and acquaintances. The names of their children are as follows ; Thomas Thornton, George Lewis, Benjamin T., Granville, Jackson, Addis Clawson, Mary, Martha, Louisa, Helen and Emma. But three of the brothers and three of the sisters, are living — the subject of this sketch, George L., a prominent physician of Bates county, and Addis C, a leading physician of Macon county. The eldest brother, Thomas T., was a lawyer by profession, and something of a political leader in his county. He died here, however, soon after the family came to Missouri. In the canvass of 1858 he held joint discussions with Hon. W. R. Strachan over the county in behalf of his friend, Hon. Samuel Singleton, who was the nominee of the Whig party for the Legislature. The fourth brother, Granville J., who served for three years in the Union army, died in 18(34, from illness contracted in the army. Those of the other brothers of the family living, and the father, however, were identified with the South, in sympathy and political convictions, and Dr. Luke Smith became captain of a Southern company. On the eve of starting South he was accidentally shot by one of his comrades (fracture of the radius), consequently could not go with his company, and while in hiding was captured, compelled to take the oath, and consequently took no further part in the war. Benjamin F. Smith, the subject of this sketch, was 19 years of age when the family came to Missouri, and had received a good common English education in the subscription schools of the neighborhood where he was reared, in West Virginia. He early entered mercantile life, in which he was engaged about eight years, but having little or no taste for the business, he withdrew from it and became a farmer, in which he has always taken great pleasure. On the 12th of September, 1862, he was married to Miss Mary E. Gray, a daughter of Jesse D. Gray, of this county. Mr. Smith followed farming with success, and also engaged in stock-raising and feeding and shipping stock, which he continued up to some seven or eight years ago, and by his industry and good management succeeded in situating himself comfortably in life. He had a fine farm of about 300 acres, well stocked, and considerable other property. But during the hard times of 1875-76-77 he met with continued reverses and repeated heavy losses, so that, becoming involved, he was compelled to sacrifice his farm in order to pay his debts and save his honor and his own self-respect. He let his farm go, which sufficed to make him square with the world again, but the sacrifice practically broke him up. He says of this himself: "Although I was compelled to sacrifice my home-stead, which was well improved and a most desirable place to live, I have the satisfaction of knowing that I paid every dollar I owed, principal and interest, and came out of the wreck with clean hands and a clear conscience," — a sentiment worthy of a noble and true man. He then removed to Shelbyville, where he engaged in the hotel business, which he is still following as a means of providing for his family. He owns a neat hotel property here, and is giving his children the advantages of the excellent schools of this place. He is dissatisfied, however, with his present business, and is anxious to sell his property, in order that he may resume farming, his favorite pursuit. He and wife are worthy members of the Christian Church. They have three children: Mary Gertrude, Thomas Thornton and Fannie Luke. Charley G. died in 1880. Mr. S. is a prominent member of the Masonic order. History of Monroe and Shelby Counties, Missouri; St. Louis: National Historical Company, 1884, Pages 946, 947 and 948

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Smith's memorial?
Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Smith's memorial is located at: Shelby Memorial Cemetery, Shelbyville, Shelby County, USA.
When did Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Smith death?
Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Smith death on 22 Apr 1915 in Hannibal, Marion County, Missouri, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Smith's memorial?
Latitude: 39.8046330
Longitude: -92.0448310

Family Members:

Parent

Charles L. A. Smith

(1805 - 1882)

Nancy Parr Smith

(1817 - 1895)

Spouse

Mary E. Gray Smith

(1847 - 1895)

Siblings

Thomas Thornton Smith

(1833 - 1858)

Dr Addis C Smith

(1844 - 1901)

Martha Ellen Smith Osburn

(1846 - 1915)

Emma Smith Stone

(1855 - 1879)

Children

Charley Gray Smith

(unknow - 1880)

Mary Gertrude Smith Priest

(1864 - 1954)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Shelby Memorial Cemetery
Shelbyville, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8046330, -92.0448310

2. Shelbyville Mausoleum
Shelbyville, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8048900, -92.0462300

3. Shelbyville Masonic Cemetery
Shelbyville, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8081100, -92.0465600

4. Hiles Cemetery
Shelbyville, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8058014, -92.0691986

5. Rookwood Family Cemetery
Shelbyville, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8470611, -92.0335702

6. Bethany Methodist Cemetery
Shelbyville, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8331950, -91.9937370

7. Eaton Cemetery
Shelbyville, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7621994, -92.0044022

8. Fairview Cemetery
Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7818985, -91.9760971

9. Forest Grove Cemetery
Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8507996, -92.1018982

10. Roff Cemetery
Shelbina, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7379885, -92.0390284

11. Bethel Zion Cemetery
Bethel, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8768997, -92.0444031

12. Gilchrist Cemetery
Shelbina, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7483531, -91.9854958

13. Wood Cemetery
Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7406006, -92.0950012

14. Smith Cemetery
Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7299995, -92.0550003

15. Heartland Cemetery
Bethel, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8773000, -92.0203300

16. Mount Hope Cemetery
Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7930984, -92.1442032

17. Pickett Cemetery
Bethel, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8822700, -92.0085100

18. Mount Zion Cemetery
Bethel, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8554900, -91.9555100

19. Bethel Hebron Cemetery
Bethel, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8910000, -92.0312700

20. Bacon Chapel Cemetery
Shelbyville, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7511487, -92.1368436

21. Looney Cemetery
Bethel, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8516500, -91.9457830

22. Oak Dale Cemetery
Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7620700, -91.9336900

23. Morris Cemetery
Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8227997, -92.1808014

24. Shelbina Mausoleum No 2 1961
Shelbina, Shelby County, USA
Coordinate: 39.6930200, -92.0481800