Editing Daniel Smith

### Daniel Smith (1780-c.1846) - Ninth Master of Corinthian Lodge

==Overview==  
Brother Captain Daniel Smith, born in 1780 in New Hampshire, served as the ninth Master of Corinthian Lodge in 1814 and 1815. His early years in the Lodge and community were marked by active involvement; however, later events led to a controversial end to his membership.

==Early Life and Career==  
Smith was initiated and crafted in Benevolent Lodge, No. 7, in Amherst, New Hampshire. He joined Corinthian Lodge, being raised on February 16, 1807, and admitted as a full member on March 7, 1808. Moving to Concord in 1806, he initially worked for Stephen Wood in the tanning business on the Mill-Dam. By 1810, he had established himself as a merchant, operating a store known as the “Yellow Store” near the future site of the Town House, where he sold dry goods and groceries.

==Masonic Contributions and Leadership==  
Within Corinthian Lodge, Smith served as Junior Warden in 1811 and 1812 before being elected Master in 1814 and 1815. His time as Master was initially respected, but his later actions resulted in his expulsion from the Lodge on December 7, 1818, a decision reflecting the severity of his subsequent legal troubles.

==Military Involvement and Legal Issues==  
In 1811, Smith served as captain of a Standing Militia company. However, he soon found himself in conflict with military regulations, leading to a warrant for his arrest for disobeying orders. The arrest was carried out by Hon. Nathan Brooks, the Paymaster at the time, though Smith managed to avoid court-martial by promptly obtaining a discharge as captain.

Smith's troubles escalated when he became involved in counterfeiting. He was exposed through his housekeeper, who was arrested in Salem for passing a counterfeit bill and implicated Smith, leading to his arrest by Colonel Isaac Hurd Jr. Smith was tried, convicted, and sentenced to seven years in state prison. After his release, he relocated to New York City, where he entered the grocery business on Hudson Street. Later, he moved to New Orleans, where he ultimately passed away around 1846.

==Legacy==  
The story of Daniel Smith serves as a complex chapter in the history of Corinthian Lodge, illustrating the challenges and imperfections that have shaped its past. His life and tenure as Master remain a reminder of the importance of integrity within the Masonic Order.

[[Category:Past Masters]]  
[[Category:Biographies]]