The miners' express. (Dubuque, Iowa) 1849-1854, 1849-12-19
OBITUARY.

FRANCIS CHARLES SMITH, OF the firm OF +.
u ~ E. H. Smith, of this City, died on the
18th instant. He was a member of the Congre-
gatonal Church. His piety was of that dcci-
slVc character where practice takes the lead of
profession, and example is ever in the advance
~ pieccp'' lie was an exact and punctual bu-
s'iieSs>'liaf'' out more Jealous and faithful
christian. lie was attentive to business. but
unwaverlng III duty. With him the counting.
room and the prayer meeting seemed to sustain
On intimate relation; and while he never NEGLECT
cd the former, he was never absent from, nor
late to the latter. His business habits and man.
ncr illustrated his religion, and his devotion to
the last the secret of his success in the first
Christianity adorned his life. and his life adorn-
ed his profession. He lived in, but above the
world; he tasted of its pleasures, but they were
the pleasures of bencvolence and faith; he en-
gagged ardently in its pursuits, but he made them
to subserve and excmplify his religion
That such life should have gained the victo-
ry over death, is natural; but of the character of
that victory, no adequate conception could have
been formed. His business was pleasing and
five days previously, his health, for fifteen years,
had been uninterrupted. Few have had great
er cause of attachment to, and none higher assu-
rance oflong life. Death came cmphatically at
an unexpected, but not at an unpreparcd mo-
mcnt. 1t found his house in order. After IN
illness of scarcely five days, and which he had
borne with christian forttudc that led many,
If not all, to mistake its severity he became con-
sclous that the hand ofdeath was upon him. Oh,
what scene now burst upon those who, in great
numbers, gathered around his bedside He
seemed for four hours upon the trembling verge
OF Eternity, GREATNESS with anxiety to depart,
but still willing to remain until his Masters will
was done. AS the moment of dissolution ap-
preached, so did the scenes, the cmployments,
aud the joys ofHeaven. At no moment of his
life had he given evidence of so nice discrimina-
ton of character, of such freshness of memory,
of such brilliancy of intellect. This was mani
fest in the various counsel which he gave to
those who, in their turn, received his last fare
well. The point of greatest danger to the i'm
pcnitent, and of weakest faith in the professor,
were the subjects to which his thoughts were d.
rected with astonishing discernment and GER
tainty. So lucid was his mind, so unquestona-
bic his faith, ardent his oft-repeatcd desire to
depart and be with Christ; so convincing the
character of his triumph, that not one who wit
messed his departure, would have arrested or de-
tanned it if they could.
Such, very briefly and family, is the outline of
an event which, were it without example, would
be convincing proof in the minds of every one of
its numerous witnesses, of the truth and power
of the Gospel.
His funeral took place at o clock on Friday
the 18th inst, at the Congregational Church,
where fitting and eloquent sermon was preach
ed by Rev. JNo. G. HoLBRooK, to a very large
and solemn AUDIENCE [coMMuN1cArED1
The following testimonials of respect to the
memory of the deceased was given by the MEn
CHANTS of the City:
A meeting of the Merchants and businessmen
of Dubuque, was held in the city of Dubuque,
on the 18th day Of December, A. d. 1S49, at
10 clock, A. NJ, at the law office of Davis &
Blssell. f. V. Goodrich, Esq, was called to the
Chair, and Geo. l.. Nightingale was appointed
Secretary. The object of the meeting was feel
ing ingly and eloqucnty stated by Hon: John G.
Shields.
On motion of James R. Goodrich, ESQ, A
committee of five were appointed by the Chair
to draft resolutions expressive of the sense ofthe
meeting: The Chair appointed Messrs John
e. Shields, George L. Nightingale, James R.
Goodrich, Scion M. Langworthy, and VIM. P.
Wlghtman that committee, who reported the fol-
lowing, which were unanimously adopted
LIST. We deeply regret the loss we have sus-
tanned as merchants and citizens, in the death of
our friend, Francis G. Smith, of the House of
F. c. & E. H. Smith
Cd We heartily sympathise with his bereav-
ed brother, who is present, and other relations
who are at distance, and offer our coincidence.
3D. That our friend Mr.. Francis G.. Smith, has
won tor himself among us, and in the commune
ty, an enviable reputation as a man of business
and as man ofupright, religious character, and
that his loss is deeply felt by the community
4th That we will in body attend his funer-
al and wear the usual badge of mourning for
thirty days.
9th. That we will close our business houses
on tomorrow during the funeral ceremonies.
9th. That copy of the proceedings of this
meeting be published in the city papers, and that
acopy be sent to the relations of the deceased
On motion of Mr.. James r. Goodrich. the
meeting adjourned
F. V. GOODRICH, Chm.
GEO. l.. NIGHTINGALE, Sec'y.