Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1884-12-11
THURSDAY. DECEMBER IL. 1884
DEATH OF THOMPSON SMITH.

DEATH OF THOMPSON SMITH.
A Long and Successful Business Life Closed.
Seldom is community called upon to
mourn the loss of citizen who will be-
missed so much as Thompson Smith, who
after a long and painful illness, patient
ly endured. died Tuesday afternoon at his
home in Duncan City, at 2.35. For some
days it had been known that the end was
only question of time in spite of all
that skillful physicians and careful nurs.
ing by loving hands could do.
The deceased was born in Little York,
now City Of Toronto, October 9Th, 18O8'
and consequently was 76 years, l month
and 20 days Of age when he passed away.
Although born in Canada his parents
were Americans. his father, Amos Smith
being one of the heroes of the revolution
airy war, 'enlisting as private in New
York Regiment and was taken prisoner
at the surrender Of Fort Washington.
While suffering the hsrdships AMI pri-
vations of a prisoner of war. he
was offered his liberty If he
would do certain work for the Brit
ish army, but filled with the herOism of
that day his reply was that he would
suffer his right arm to rot off before he
would aid the enemy of his country. 1t
was of such parentage that Mr.. Smith
came and it is not to be wondered at
that he was truly the American that he
was, He commenced the battle of life
in his early youth and at the age of four
teen was the support of his aged parents.
How well he waged the battle is eYinced
by the success he attained in the bust
ness world. His first venture in bust
ness was before he attained his majority
and afterwards entered into logging and
lumber business in Canada, which under
his judicious management grew into
large proportions. he owning extensive
mills at Bradford and Barry. In 1852 he
and his partner James Il. Craig estab-
lished what is now the extensive lumber
yard at Albany N. Y, and it is singular
coincidence that his partner in business
for thirty-twO years should have preced-
ed him to the grave only few days, dy-
ing suddenly Nov. Goth. at Albany. Ow-
ing to Mr.. Smiths condition at the time
the news was received it was thought
best not to inform him Of Mr.. Craig's
death. and he died unaware Of that event.
Mr.. Smith came from hardy family,
and it seemed to be natural for the head
of each generation to take al active part
in pioneer life. In 1870 he purchased
the mills and land at Duncan City and
large quantity of standing pine timber,
and since that time has devoted his en-
ergy and remarkable business talent to
building up the immense business that
has been attained at this point, and has
always taken great interest in the de-
velOpment of Cheboygan county, many
important projects receiving liberal d.
nancial aid at his hands. In 1876 he
moved his family to Duncan City and
u
great originality, the architect of his
own fortune, gaining his education by
hard study at night after his days labor
was done, careful reader, retentive
memory, few were better posted on the
affairs of the country than him. Perse-
vsring, not easily discouraged, confident
in adversely and cheerful under losses
that would have dismayed others.
Mr.. Smith was married Sept. Goth, 1880
and most Of our citizens will remember
the Golden Wedding" at Duncan City.
Sept. 30th, 1880, and the passing:.away of
his life partner sometime aftsrward
while visiting her daughter Mrs. How
land of Toronto. Five children are left
to mourn the departure of loving faith
or: Mrs Henry Rowland Of Toronto, Miss
Elizabeth, Messrs Ephraim and Egbert
A. and Mrs McDOnough Of Duncan City.
Funeral services will be held at the late
residence of the deceased, at Duncan City
tomorrow, Friday afternoon, at three
o'clock and general invitation is ex-
tended to all to attend. The remains
will be taken to ALBANY N. Y. for burial
leaving on the Monday morning train.
The bereaved relatives have the sympa-
thy Of the entire community.
Mr.. and Mrs. Rowland. arrived from
Toronto last evening.
ssers-E=sz<R
Ministers Meeting.
The Cheboygan ministers Monday