Heman R. Smith

Heman R. Smith was born in Hinesburg, Vermont in 1795, and was the son of Sagy Smith (1767-1851) and farmer Morris Smith (1769-1850), two of Hinesburg's earliest settlers. He was educated locally and became a farmer. He was also active in the Chittenden County Agricultural Society.[1]

Smith joined the National Republican Party,[2] and later became a Whig,[3] He was active in local government, including terms as a Justice of the Peace and member of the Vermont House of Representatives.[4][5]

Active in the Vermont Militia, Smith rose through the ranks to command 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division and 2nd Brigade, 1st Division with the rank of brigadier general.[6][7] From 1843 to 1846 he commanded the 1st Division as a major general.[8][9]

In 1852 Smith was appointed Vermont's Adjutant General, and he served until 1853.[10][11] He became a Republican when the party was founded, and was a delegate to the party's Chittenden County convention in 1860.[12]

In 1861 he was considered for appointment as U.S. Marshal for Vermont,[13] but the selection went to Charles C. P. Baldwin.[14][15]

At the start of the American Civil War Smith was active in recruiting soldiers for the Union Army, and assisted in forming two companies in Hinesburg.[16]

Smith died in Hinesburg on September 1, 1861.[17] He was buried at Hinesburg Village Cemetery.[17]

In 1822, Smith married Harriet Leonard (1799-1881) of Hinesburg.[18] They had no children, and after her husband's death Mrs. Smith continued to reside on and operate the family farm until well into her old age.[18]

Heman R. Smith at Find a Grave