Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial ...

the local school and Daniel Chase's preparatory
school in Middletown. He was
successful as a general farmer, giving little
attention to affairs beyond his own
domain, though he felt an interest in the
general welfare, and attempted to fulfill
the duties of a good citizen. He embraced
the Universalist faith in religion, and
espoused the cause of the Democratic
party in politics. He married, November
21, 1876, Charlotte Roberts, born 1857,
died July 2, 1886, daughter of Elijah and
Mary (Brock) Roberts of Johnson Lane
district, Middletown. Elijah Roberts was
a son of Wickham and Sarah (Johnson)
Roberts of Johnson Lane. After the death
of Charlotte (Roberts) Plum, Loren H.
Plum married Amelia Starr, now wife of
Chauncey W. Roberts.
Elihu Henry Plum grew up on the old
Plum homestead, attending the local
school and Central School of Middletown
city. Because of the failing health of his
father, he was early obliged to take charge
of the operation of the farm, and has
since continued in that occupation. A
reader and intelligent observer of events,
he keeps abreast of the times and is recog-
nized as a leader in agricultural aflfairs.
He is a member of Westfield Grange, of
which he has been several times Master,
of the Pomona and National granges. For
twenty-seven years, Mr. Plum has engaged
in the milk business, delivering to
customers in the city. He acknowledges
no allegiance to blind partizanship, though
a supporter of Democratic principles, and
seeks no political favors. While a Uni-
versalist in religious faith, he supports
the Congregational Church, and seeks to
further every moral influence.
He married, November 7, 1900, Edna
Scranton, born May 10, 1874, in North
Madison, Connecticut, daughter of Alfred
and Emma (Francis) Scranton of that
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
town. Mr. and Mrs. Plum are the parents
of: I. Marion Frances, born November
16, 1901. 2. Loren Alfred, July
16, 1903. 3. Howard Everett, October
17, 1914.
SMITH, Robert Kemble,
Business Man.
A scion of an old and distinguished
family both in the paternal and maternal
lines and a worthy representative of the
progressive American business man, Rob-
ert Kemble Smith's career proves that this
is the day of the young man, and that it
is no longer necessary to reach middle
age before attaining success. Mr. Smith
was born in Hartford, Connecticut, May
29, 1890, son of Charles Howell and Kate
(Kemble) Smith. The immigrant ancestor
of the family was Richard Smith, an
original proprietor of Lyme, Connecticut,
and in this section of the State many de-
scendants of this worthy man are still
found. Another prominent ancestor was
Elder William Brewster, of the "Mayflow-
er," and through the maternal lines, de-
scent can be traced from Samuel Gorton,
one of the founders of the town of War-
wick, Rhode Island. The great-grandfather
of Robert Kemble Smith was Elisha Smith,
of East Lyme, and he served in the War
of 1812, holding the rank of sergeant. He
married Mary Gorton, and they were the
parents of Charles H. Smith, who was
born in East Lyme, October 27, 1828, and
died at Hartford, Connecticut, May 24,
1907. He lived in East Lyme until he
was fourteen years old, where he attended
school and was then sent to Westfield,
Massachusetts, where he lived with his
brother. Rev. William Angus Smith. For
two years Charles H. Smith attended the
Westfield Academy, and then came to
Hartford, and became associated with