Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-10-25

Yesterday the judge sat up ell day and was
more than usually cheerful. Shortly after 8
Metropolitan NJ. E. Church, called and had
brief conversation with the judge. saying ashe
left that he would see him again this morning.
Just afterward the judge took a bowl OF beef
tee with apparent relish and then sat down in
o large arm chair. A girl came into the
Of the judge, Who said to her, 'Thank
you" and minute later he was
dead. His head fell back on the chair and he
passed away with smile upon his face, show
ing that the transition from life to eternity was
absolutely painless.
Undertaken Speare took charge Of the re-
mains, and Mrs. DR.. Thayer, his only daughter,
who resides in Waterville, Me-, was immedi-
ately notified by telegraph of her fathers
death. She is expected here this evening. Mrs.
Smell is greatly Frustrated by her sudden be-
reavement
BRIEF SKETCH OF HIS CAREER.
Judge Smell was about sixty-eight years Of
age and native of Maine. He graduated ct
Bowdoin College about ffty-fve years ago,
and for some years he engaged in teaching at
St Adams Academy in Hartford. This occu-
patton he left to study law and, being admitted
to the bar. settled in Fairfield. Here he built
up successful practice, and when the war
came on he took an active part in the raising
Of troops, contributing his means as vel. as his
influence. and in November. 1861, he entered
the service al captain of company B, thirteenth
Maine infantry, Of which Neal Dow was the
colonel This regiment served during the war
IN the department OF the gulf, and Captain
SHELLS services were such that he was breyetted
first major and then lieutenant colonel.
After the war Judge Smell came to this city
and when the Police Court was established he
was appointed to the judgeship, holding the
position for three successive terms of six
years each. On being succeeded by Judge
Miller he, with Mr.. Howard L. Prince (the
former clerk Of the Police Court. entered into
law practice having an Office opposite the court
house. Since then he had been actively en-
gagged. having some important cases. among
them that Of Nelson Colbert, charged with the
murder of Philip Wenzell.
He had been president Of the board Of mana
gers Of the Associated Charities of the District
of Columbia for the past five years, in which
work he took deep interest. For the past two
years he was also a member of the board Of di-
rectors Of the Industrial Home School of the
District Of Columbia and of the board of di-
rectors Of the Suburban Building Association.
In religion he was Methodist, for many years
being one OF the most active members Of the
Metropolitan Church. He was a member OF
Pentalpha Lodge, No. %, FA.A. NJ, Of thi.
city. He had just purchased his home at 931
street and had nicely furnished It He leaves
a widow, one son and one married daughter
and the daughter being also, as stated above, q
resident of that state.
ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE POLICE COURT.
This morning, soon after the Police Court
convened, Mr.. Campbell Darlington announced
the death Of Judge Smell Mr.. Darlington said
that it seemed but day since he had seen the
judge on the bench. 'We are here today" he
said, "to cay what we said when our departed
friend was with U.S. The departed Judge was
true to the high trust reposed in him. He held
the scales OF justice with an even and impair
tial hand The Judicial ermine that was placed
upon him nearly twenty years ago was laid
down rs pure and unsullied as he first wore it,
Our departed friend bore the white flower OF
a spotless judicial life, marked by absolute
honesty. answering integrity, marked legal
ability. wonderful knowledge of human ma.
ture, and above all broad humanity aud char
liable kindliness that marks not only tie firm
upright. merciful Judge, but the warm hearted
Christian gentleman"
Judge Miller said that Mr.. Darlington had
properly mentioned the death of the one who
for 80 many years dispensed justice with an i'm
partial hand. 1t was with inexpressible sorrow
that he mentioned the death of Judge Smell,
who. by long years of distinction, had won the
good will of the people and the proud appella-
ton of just judge. and it was right that some
action should be taken to honor his memory,
now that he is no longer with us.
In the Equity Court today Mr.. A. B. Duvall
ammo unced the death of Judge Smell in feeling
terms and moved the adjournment of tho court
in respect to his memory. Judge Bradley made
some appropriate remarks in ordering the
adjournment.
Mr.. Perry Carson has called meeting of the
colored friends OF the late Judge Smell at his
hotel on Monday evening to take action in
reference to the judges death.