In religion, Mr. Means has firmly held to the evangelical system of doctrine. In early manhood he made profession of his faith by uniting with the Congregational church in his native town; transferring his membership to the Hanover-street church in Manchester, and thence to the South church in Andover, with successive chances of residence. In all of these places he has proved a stanch friend of the ministry and a liberal supporter of Christian institutions. A man of clear convictions and of marked independence of character, he has not stood aloof from the community, but, cherishing a hearty respect for human nature, he has taken an active part in the popular movements in behalf of education and local improvements. To the appeals for charitable aid, whether coming from individuals or churches or institutions of learning, the response has been cordial. The establishment of the Means prizes at Phillips Academy illustrates his discriminating beneficence. In times of difficulty and depression he has been helpful in bearing burdens, making good deficiencies, and quietly upholding the cause he had espoused. For a few years past the family have spent the winter season in Boston; but, whether in city or country, the man is unchanged. He is still interested in the welfare of the church and the state, thoughtful of his friends and former associates, considerate of neighbors, and bestowing sympathy and assistance where they are needed, seeks to keep alive the ancient virtues of New England life, and maintain the best standards of service and citizenship. EX-GOVERNOR FREDERICK SMYTH. FREDERICK SMYTH was born March 19, 1819, in Candia, Rockingham county, N. H. His ancestors were farmers, men and women of thrift and intelligence. He was trained in the hardest kind of farm labor, receiving, in addition, such education as the good common schools of that town could give, supplemented by a brief course at Phillips Academy at Andover, Mass. With a view to further education, he taught school several winters, and in 1839 found employment at the store of George Porter, Esq., in Manchester. Elm street was then a sandy and uninviting thoroughfare, with only one other store. At the end of the year Mr. Smyth's employer persuaded him to give up the idea of a college education and adopt a mercantile life. He soon became a partner in the business, which was successfully carried on until 1849, in which year he was elected city clerk,--the beginning of a long official career, local and national.