George Alvin Smith

George Alvin Smith (January 14, 1844 – February 11, 1908) was an American merchant who served as the first president of the Smith–Courtney Company in Richmond, Virginia. He fought for the Confederacy in the American Civil War, losing his arm at the Battle of Fredericksburg. Shortly thereafter, he and Charles Rady partnered to sell railway equipment. Following Rady's retirement, Smith and T. L. Courtney expanded the business, producing wood and iron working supplies, engines, boilers, and more.

By the end of his life, Smith's company was the largest manufacturer and distributor of machinery in the Southern United States, and he was one of the most prominent members of Richmond society, a member of Confederate veterans organizations and the Episcopal Church. He was a founding member of the Southern Supply and Machinery Dealers' Association.

Early life and family Birth Smith was born in Richmond, Virginia, on January 14, 1844, the fifth of six children. His father, businessman Benjamin Hodges Smith (1807–1881), was a Salem, Massachusetts, native who came to Virginia at an early age. His mother, the former Grace Fenton Brooke (1814–1893), was a niece of jurist Francis T. Brooke and descendant of the First Families of Virginia.

Military service At the outbreak of the American Civil War, Smith's family sided with the Confederacy. He and three of his brothers enlisted in the third company of the Richmond Howitzers, while Benjamin received a commission as a quartermaster. Fighting with the Army of Northern Virginia, the company saw action during the Seven Days Battles, shortly after which, Smith's brother, Benjamin Jr., was named captain of the battery in August 1862.

That year, they went on to fight at the Second Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Antietam, and the Battle of Fredericksburg, where Smith lost his left arm. They had six children: Edward Brooke ( 1872), Alvin Morris ( 1874), Carroll La Gree ( 1876), who died in infancy, Malcolm Bell ( 1878), Blanche Morris ( 1880), and George Alvin Jr. ( 1883).

On November 18, 1885, in Orange County, Smith married Mary Edmonia Taylor, a daughter of Erasmus Taylor, who served on James Longstreet's staff. From this marriage were born another three children: Roberta Ashby ( 1886), Benjamin Hodges ( 1887), and Mary Eleanor ( 1889), who died in infancy.

Later life and death Smith had been in a period of declining health for some time, though his condition was not critical. He died at his home, 823 West Grace Street, at 8:30pm on February 11. He was buried in a family plot in Hollywood Cemetery alongside his sons, Edward and George Jr., and infant daughter, Mary, who all preceded him in death. Dignitaries at the funeral included Lieutenant Governor J. Taylor Ellyson and a delegation from Lee Camp, Confederate Veterans. He left his entire estate, valued at $68,855 , to his widow.

His son, Alvin, who had been general sales manager of the company since 1902, was unanimously elected by the board to succeed him as president and served until his own death in 1952. His other son, Benjamin, then took over, serving until 1962, when he was elected chairman of the board.