acceptable and useful. But public life was by no means his choice. His honest integrity, and his quiet, unobtrusive, healthy tone of life rendered him the admiration and delight of the private circle where, without ostentatious parade or pretentiousness of any kind, he won the full confidence and esteem of those most intimate with him. His prudent and temperate care in the exercise of godly virtues, bore him on the even tenor of his way, and carried him beyond the bounds of fourscore years."
Paul Mumford. Was the most distinguished citizen of Barrington, not of native stock. He came from Newport with his family and purchased the Hooker Low estate, in 1774, at B. Centre. His services in town and state are given in the chapter on the Revolution. He held the offices of town deputy. Colonial Commissioner, Justice and Chief Justice of the Sup. Court, Governor's Assistant, a delegate to the Colonial Congress, and lieutenant governor from 1803 to 1805.
Two members of the Mumford family were buried at Prince's Hill, a son, William, b. Feb. 3, 1770, and d. Nov. 24, 1776, and Mrs. Mary Mumford, his wife, b. Aug. 12, 1737; d. June 22, 1779. She was the daughter of Rev. John and Ann Mayclean, and was a woman of fine social qualities and great executive ability, conducting the affairs of the farm and dairy as well as her large household during her husband's absence. Judge Mumford sold his property in Barrington and returned to Newport about 1800.
Irving M. Smith. Son of Nathaniel C and Sally (Bowen) Smith; b. July 15, 1852; drug business; m. Caroline W. Ketchum; children, Kenneth Valentine, Nathalie Church; d. Dec. 1, 1895.
Mr. Smith was one of the most active, useful, and unselfish men Barrington has produced, and his early death may be traced to excessive labors in local affairs, added to the cares of family and business. He was a natural leader and reformer and engaged in new projects with unbounded zeal and faith in their success. He counted difficulties and opposition as naught compared with the gains of successful plans. The town of Barrington was his idol, and he worshipped its history and traditions, and worked without stint for its advancement. He led in the organization of the Barrington Rural Improvement Association, and was its leading spirit until his death. Through this association he led the way in securing the recognition of Arbor Day as a state holiday. The Rhode Island Business Men's Association owes its life to him and he was chosen its first president in recognition of his labors. The same is true of the R. I. Rural Improvement Association. His example was contagious and inspired all to larger efforts, and there is scarcely a feature of the physical features of the town that has not in these busy years of his life felt some benefit therefrom. The present History of Barrington was undertaken at his urgent suggestion, endorsed by the town Improvement Association. His life work may be said to have been suggestive, administrative, and inspirational. His ambitions lay along the line of public service, and his name and reputation are secure.
