My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM A. SMITH was born February 24, 1825, in the town of Granby, where he holds an honored position among the men of the place. As a worthy representative of the citizen-soldier element of Hampshire County, he is deserving of special mention in this biographical volume. His parents, Medad and Pamela (Dickinson) Smith, were born and bred in Granby, and, with the exception of six years spent at Chicopee Falls, were residents of the place until their death. The father, a farmer by occupation, after his return from Chicopee bought the farm now owned and occupied by his son. Here both he and his wife spent their last days, her death occurring April 4, 1842, and his April 20, 1858. They had a family of nine children, namely: Edmund, Abigail, Irene, Edmund (second), Harriet, and Emma, deceased; and Lucas, William, and Elizabeth living.

Mr. Smith, the subject of this sketch, obtained a substantial common-school education in the district and high schools of his native town. On attaining his majority he left home, and for two years worked by the month for neighboring farmers. Having saved some money, he subsequently purchased the old home, where, with the exception of the time he spent in the army, he has since lived. At the time he bought it the farm contained but thirty acres; but as the years rolled on he added more land, so that now his property contains one hundred and forty acres, being at the same time in a good state of cultivation.

On August 25, 1862, Mr. Smith enlisted in the service of his country. He was mustered in as Third Sergeant of Company H, Fifty-second Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Perkins, the regiment being commanded by Colonel Greenleaf. In December, 1862, he, with his comrades, left New York, going to Ship Island, where they joined the division commanded by General N. P. Banks. Proceeding to the mouth of the Mississippi, they landed at New Orleans, going thence to Baton Rouge, where they remained some time. His company was then stationed at Plaquemine for five weeks, whence they marched to Port Hudson, where a slight skirmish ensued. A detachment was then ordered to St. Gabriel, and, after a stay of eight days, to Donaldsonville; thence they went to Brashear City, where they embarked on a steamer going up Grand Lake. Their next destination was Opelousas, and then Barrett’s Landing, where they narrowly escaped capture by the rebels. Returning to Brashear City, they found themselves pursued by the enemy, but reached the place in safety by means of night marches. The regiment afterward went back to Baton Rouge, and then to Port Hudson, where the enemy surrendered. Although the term of enlistment expired on July 9, 1863, the men remained on duty until July 23, when the company embarked, and sailed up the river to Cairo, Ill., where they boarded the cars for Greenfield, Mass. There, on August 14, 1863, Mr. Smith received his honorable discharge, and at once returned to his family.

On November 24, 1859, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Caroline Miller, a native of Ludlow, Hampden County, and daughter of Zebina and Polly Miller. She had four children, namely: Hattie; May; Edwin, who died at the age of ten years; and Carrie. She died July 23, 1886. A Republican in politics, Mr. Smith is a stanch advocate of the principles of that party. He has been Selectman of the town for several years, and has also filled the office of Assessor. He is a member of the Charles C. Smith Post, No. 83, of South Hadley Falls, which he has served as Junior Vice-Commander, Senior Vice-Commander, and also as Chaplain. Religiously, he is a valued member of the Congregational church, in which he has acted for a score of years as Deacon.