The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1890-08-14
William H. Smith Dead.

known to the people of Rockford
and highly respected by them, passed
away yesterday when the venerable
VIM. II. Smith succumbed to death
at his residence, Cos North Second
street. While the news Of his death
will be a sad surprise to many of his
acquaintances it was not entirely I'M
expected by the family. For several
months he had been i'll and Satur-
day his sickness eliminated in a
stroke of paralysis which caused his
death
OVER THREE SCORE AND TEN.
William Harrison Smith was born
at Exeter, N. H., November Fl, 1877,
and was therefor aged IL years and
8 months. From early childhood
he was dependent upon his own ex-
ertion for a living. The success
which was his in after was gained
by his industry, perseverance and
good judgement. At the age OF IL
years he removed to Albany, n. Y.
and shortly afterwards to Schenecta-
DIV. in the same state. At the latter
place he learned the harness of trade
which he afterwards followed sue
cessfully.
ONE OF THE EARLY PIONEERS.
In 1841 Mr.. Smith removed to
Kenosha, Wis, making the journey
by way Of the lakes. At Kenosha he
engaged successfully in farming and
in the saddlery and tanning trades.
HIS BUSINESS CAREER IN ROCKFORD.
In 1861 he removed to Rockford
and embarked in the harness trade
on East State street. He built up a
good trade but on account Of con-
tfnued i'll health was compelled to
abandon it. In 1874 he retired
with we'll earned reputation in bust
ness circles. His son Frank bought
him out and continued the business
HIS MARRIED LIFE.
In 1898, before he left Schenecta-
DIV n. Y, he was united in marriage
with Miss Susan Storms. When he
went to Kenosha she and their child
remained at Schenectady and they
were to join him when he had decid-
ed upon their new home. While on
their way to Kenosha they were lost
in the wreck Of the steamer Erie,
which occurred Aug. 9, 184I. In
1912 he married Miss Mehitable
Allen, who lived with him "a beauti-
full, faithful and loving wife" until
her death, which occurred in this city,
Jan 81, 1876. She left four children
who still survive Shey are Willirm
Edwin Smith, engaged in the insur-
ance business in Chicago; Frank G..
Smith, of this city; Willard A. Smith,
publisher of the Railway News, Chi
cage, and Mrs. William B. Ferguson,
of Rock Island In 1877 he married
Miss Hannah Goodman, Of Worces-
ter Dass, who survives him.
HE HATED SLAVERY.
The deceased was an Abolitionist
in the earlier days. He was Wing
and a Free Soiler too before the Re
publican party was born While a
resident Of Kenosha his house was
a station on the "undergroud rail
way" and hiding place for the flu
gitive blacks.
FOUNDERS OF REPUBLICANISM.
MANY of the old settlers of Keno
sha county, still living, will recall the
deceased's participation in the early
political affairs, as we'll as the other
matters of interest to the community,
his abolition sentiments and his
Identification with the first organiza-
ton OF the Republican party in Wis
consn. He was ever a staunch
supporter Of the principles of Re
publicanism, He was extremely
conscientious in his political action.
His espousal Of cause meant that
he would give his endeavors to its
futheranCe.
A BAPTIST OVER FIFTY YEARS.
Mr.. Smiths religious convictions
like his political ones, were deep
seated. He joined the Baptist
church in 1898 at Schenectady and
consistent and earnest church
member the rest Of his life. When
he removed to Kenosha he at once
connected himself with the little
Baptist church of that place, and for
twenty years he served them faith
fully as deacon and in other official
positions. From the time of his ar
rival in Rockford Mr.. Smith was
actively identified with the State
Street Baptist church. Yesterday
when the news of his death reached
the Sunday school at the church, the
school had just been dismissed, but
the superintendent called for order
again and broke the sorrowful news.
For some years Mr.. Smiths win
tiers have been spent in the south,
| the cold weather Of the north helm O.