Althea (Elithea) Clarissa Blood was born in 1829 to Jonas and Hopey Blood in New Hampshire. She married Benjamin F. Smith, and they had a son, Charles, in 1847. By 1870, Althea and Benjamin were living in Lawrence, Massachusetts where Benjamin worked in a wool mill.
In the Banner of Light, 29 September 1888, the publication announced that they reopened their séance room with Althea being one of their mediums. “On Friday afternoon this circle-room will be open, as formerly, for the presentation of spirit messages through the organism of Mrs. B.F. Smith. The spiritual intelligences interested in this work are gathered here in perfect harmony, ready to give forth the best of their power and labor for the dissemination of truth and the assistance of spirits who desire to reach their mortal friends.”
Althea had a column of her readings in the Banner of Light under her married name, Mrs. B. F. Smith, from about 1888-1896. At that time, she lived at Vernon Cottage, Crescent Beach, Revere, Massachusetts. Readings were transcribed during the circles held Friday afternoons and about a half-dozen were published in each issue.
The Banner of Light, 26 October 1889, published the following announcement. “Free Spiritual meeting. These highly interesting meetings, to which the public is cordially invited, are held at the Hall at the Banner of Light Establishment. On Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:00 pm. Mrs. B.F. Smith, the excellent test medium, will on Friday afternoons, under the influence of her guides give decarnated individuals an opportunity to send words of love to their earthly friends—which messages are reported at considerable expense and published each week in The Banner.”
Althea was listed as a medium in 1890 in Spiritualist publications and gave private readings at her home. In 1891 she advertised in the Banner of Light. “Mrs. B. F. Smith, Trance Medium sittings at Vernon Cottage, Crescent Beach Revere Mass. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 9-6.”
Her husband, Benjamin, had severe illness that began in December of 1891. He died the following year. Althea continued with her work as a medium and by giving inspirational talks and addresses at funerals. In 1894 gave an inspirational address at the funeral of Dr. Charles Main.
In the 8 September 1894 issue of the Banner of Light, they published some of the “thank you” letters sent to Althea. The Banner wrote, “The good words corroborative of the reliability of spirit-communications in The Banner, and high praise for the excellent mediumship of Mrs. B.F. Smith, continue to pour in upon us.”
In the Boston Post, 4 February 1894, they featured Spiritualism and republished four messages given by Mrs. B.F. Smith that had been listed in the Banner of Light. Althea continued giving messages for the Banner until 1896. She died in 1911 at her house on Beach Street in Revere at the age of 82.