Morning journal and courier., 1882-05-13
Death of Deacon George F. Smith.

Deacon George F. Smith, ex- city mission o'clock at his home on Dwight street. De ceased was born in Middlebury, July 12, 1894, making him about IS years of age. He leaves an only child, the wife of Rev. George Catlin, of Illinois. She was present at the time of his death and during his last hours He died very peacefully. When nearly week ago his friends became alarmed at his critical state, he replied 'sDon't be alarmed I am ready to go" One of the last words he spoke was No fear" raising his hand at the time. He gave minute directions concerning his burial, during which he desired his ''tem- perance cane'' to be buried in the coffin with him. This cane was given to him by his temperance friends some time ago. Deceased had not long since anticipated spending some two months with his daughter in the west, but he was prevented as he wished to not be absent fro m his duties at the jail at the last hours of Chip Smith. The deacon offciated as chaplain at the jail for twenty eight years past, and many are the testimo- nials which he has received from ex-prison-
 
 blessed him for his kind counsels as means of their reformation. From one of these re- formed men living in Pennsylvania, who has become rieh Deacon Smith not long ago re- ceived the offer of home for life, in token of the love and esteem felt for him. In his youth he received but limited education, to which, however, he added much by his keen observation of passing events. When 8 young man he became merchant, and at one time was engaged in the foundry busi- ness in this city. He came to this city about 1838 He was librarian for year or two at has been actively engaged in city missionary work. He was superintendent of the old Howe street church Sunday school which, while he was superintendent WAS the banner school of this city. He held the office of president of the New Haven Sunday Schoo Union for several years. He became mem- Der of the Sons of Temperance in 1S45, and has received all the different official honors of the order, and was at the time of his death senior past grand worthy patriarch of the State, being the oldest living past grand. His wife died about year ago, since which time he had failed rapidly, and he had since often expressed wish that he ''might go home if it was the Lords will" Among the papers of the deceased are host of letters from prominent men of the city, some of whom are dead, expressing warm sense of appreciation of his services, and accompanied by material aid for the mission work. Among these are notes from the late Hon. James Brewster and ex- Mayor E. c. Scranton. De- ceased had the best care and attention dur ing all his periods of sickness during the past year from Mir. Merritt Bryan neighbor, whose services were entirely without fee or reward, and during his last illness Stephen l.. Ford has anticipated every want and re- mained with him. The deceased is Q good man gone, whose name will be blessed and remembered with gratitude by many who have been helped and spiritually aided by him. During his illness Mir. John G. North, who officiated for him at the jail, in his re- marks f, om time to time spoke of the de- ceased, and gave the prisoners news concern ing him, the mention of the good deacon's name often exciting the prisoners to tears. The arrangements for the funeral are not yet completed.