The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-02-24

William HoSnoer Smaller, D. D.
Our citizens were panied to learn on Satur-
day last of the serious illness of DIR. Smaller
To-day we have to announce the sad intell-
gence of his decease which took place at $50
o'clock p. M, yesterday.
In the autumn he was attacked with what
seemed to be incipient paralysis, his right arm
being chiefly affected and his general health
impaired. Rallying from this, however, he
seemed to be regaining his usual health until
few weeks ago, when he caught severe cold
which threatened pneumonia. Severe pains
IN the head succeeded at intervals, followed by
general prostration. On Wednesday of last
week it was evident that he was sinking
under his disease though everything that
the best medical skill could devise was
employed in his behalf. His mind re-
NAMED unclouded until Sunday, when oc-
casional delirium ensued. This was followed
by the closing hours of quiet rest, when, sur
rounded by his family, he peacefully expired
Dr. Smaller was born in Haddam, Conn,
| NOV. ~, 1907, whore he resided until IS wears
OF age, when, desiring an education, he en-
| tered the academy at Wilbraham, Mass, and
| completed his preparatory course in Hamilton,
he was graduated in the class of 1885.
part OF this time was spent in the Theological
department of this University. He entered the
Newton institution this same year, but was
called t. take charge of the Connecticut Lit
erary Institute at Sufield, Conn. Here he re-
manned two years, during which time he was
ordained in Deep River, Conn, to the Chris
tan ministry. While living here he was mar
ried, his wife beng the daughter of Prof.
Hascall, of Hamilton, N. Y, the founder and
long a professor of Madison University. In
1887 DR. Smaller accepted call to the Baptist
church in Brooklne, Mass, of which church
he remained the pastor for more than sixteen
years. While here he performed much work
in connection with UNCONVENTIONAL societies.
He was for ten years Secretary of the Massa-
chusetts Baptist Convention for thirteen years
he was Recording Secretary of the American
Baptist Missionary Union, and for eight years
member of the executive board of that So
ciety, sharing largely in the preparatory labors
which have since borne such large results. In
1912 he declined call to the First Baptist
church Of this city, but accepted call to this
church when renewed twelve years later He
became pastor in this city March 49, 1854. and
remained the much loved minister of the
church until he resigned, August, 1877,
period of nearly twonty-four years. His
united pastorate of the two churches covered
period of forty years, during which time he
administered the ordinance of baptism to
nearly 400 persons.
DIR. Shailer's pastorate was the longest of
any minister of his denomination in the State,
and his influence among the churches was |
wide and salutary. IL the years 1868 he was |
President of the Baptist State Convention, and |
during his entire residence 10 the State was |
one of its most active and judicious officers. |
He was deeply interested ia the work of edu- |
cation, giving practical aid and sympathy to |
many youth of both sexes in obtaining lib |
eral education. He was trustee of Newton |
Theological Institution for many years; also of |
Colby University from 1856 to the present time, |
of which college he was also treasurer at his |
death. He received the degree of A. M. from
Trinity College in 1886, and from his Alma |
Mater in 1916, which also conferred upon him |
the degree of D. D. in 1858.
DR.. Smaller has been connected with the |
superintendent of the city schools from 1856
until the present time, with the exception of |
u
in the law the election was declared void.
Much of this time he has been the efficient |
chairman Of the board. No man in the city
has had so much to do with the success of our
schools and the training of our youth, more
than twenty classes having been graduated from
our High School since his first election. His
loss will be greatly felt in the various school
departments.
In 1858 DR.. Smaller became the publisher
and editor of Zion's Advocate in
this city which relation he sustained until
1873, a position, however, which he did not
allow to interfere with his pastoral labors.
Apart from DIR. Shailsr's excellence as a
minister of the gospel he was one of our most
esteemed citizens. Well versed in business
affairs, he was wise and iudcious counsellor
upright n his dealings and true to his word
which was always as good as his bond. His
genial and kindly ways drew to him multi
tudes of friends. AS preacher he was logical,
simple and clear The warm glow of his love |
for the truth trausfused his sermons and
kindled responsive feeling in the hearts of
his hearers He was wise and faithful !
pastor. In the sick room aud at the funerals |
of his flock noue knew how to speak tenderer
or more comforting words than he He was
''a good minister of Jesus Christ" DIR.
Smaller leaves besides his wife, son, Barnas |
s., and two daughters, Mrs. j. B. Mathews of |
this city and Mrs. Rev. S. D. Monkey of |
Mount Morris, N. Y, and an adopted dangh- |
ter, wife of Rev. E. S. Small of Livermore |
Falls.