Smith, Melancthon 1780-1893
Military officer; born in New York City in 1780; was commissioned major of the 29th United States Infantry, Feb. 20, 1813; and promoted to colonel in April following; commanded the principal fort at the battle of Plattsburg, N. Y., in September, 1814. Colonel Smith was an active member of the masonic order, and his funeral was directed by them. At his request, masonic emblems were placed on the elaborately wrought slab of blue limestone that marks his grave and hears the following inscription: “To the memory of Colonel Melanethon Smith, who died Aug. 18, 1818, aged 38 years. [232] As a testimony of respect for his virtues, and to mark the spot where rests the ashes of an excellent father, this stone is
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| Colonel Smith's monument. |
Naval officer; born in New York City, May 24, 1810; son of the preceding; entered the navy as midshipman in 1826, and was made captain in July, 1862. He served in the Seminole War, and was in command of the steamer Massachusetts in 1861. He was active in the movements against New Orleans in 1862, and with the Mississippi he ran the ram Manassas ashore and destroyed her. His vessel grounded while passing Port Hudson (March 14, 1863), when he set her on fire. With her he had participated in several engagements. He assisted in the capture of Port Hudson, and afterwards commanded a sloop-of-war in the North Atlantic blockading squadron. In May, 1864, he engaged with the Confederate ram Albemarle (q. v.), and was in command of the Wabash, in both attacks on Fort Fisher. In 1866 he was made chief of the bureau of equipment and recruiting; in 1870 was promoted rearadmiral; in 1871 was retired; and was afterwards governor of the Naval Asylum in Philadelphia. He died in Green Bay, Wis., July 19, 1893.
