The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-09-12
HUNDRED AND SEVEN.
The Long Life of Marvin Smith
of Montville, Conn.

Marvin Smith of Montville, sho-Id he live
until early in September, Will be 107 years
old. He was born on August %, 1884, in
Montyille, and he has always resided there.
For over 100 years he has dweit within two
miles OF his birthplace. He has been twice
married. His first wife Anna Newton,
who was the mother of his children, was
born in 1884 and died in 1874. says Norwalk
Comm special to the New York Tribune.
Mr.. Smith married his second wife, Sybil
Morgan, in 1916. She was born in 1856 and
will be Dlnety-fve years old November l,
1891. The first marriage took place in 1872.
just before the war. Mr.. Smith has never
been further from home than Long Island
save once. when he visited New York with
his brother about the year 1902, going there
IN little sloop which his brother owned.
This brother was several year youngerthan
himself and is now living. Mr.. Smiths
father died IN 1852, leaving six children, the
ceutenarian being the oldest. Two broth
ers now living in Mentville are re-
spectively 80 and 92 years old.
Mr.. Smiths house stands on the west
bank of the Thames River, opposite Allyns
Point. The old house in which he was
born also stood near the river, about two
miles above his present home. In his
younger days he was shIp-carpenter.
sometimes employed in the ship-yards In
New London. at other times in Norwich,
and at other points along the river. His
house is about half way between Norwich
and New London He has held the title
TO about sixty acres of land since 1910, soon
after that date erecting thereon his present
residence. The buildings on his place and
all the surroundings show thrift and neat
ness. The grounds adjoining, sold by him,
are of considerable notorietyiat this time,
being owned by the KittemaIg Associa-
IN, tnanN a. Isna
erected buildings for social and cornwall
entertainments. 1t is beautiful spot, COW
cred by grove of rare beauty and lying on
an elevation which slopes toward the river
and extends to its banks.
Mr.. Smith has led quiet life, attending
closely to his personal affairs, never hold
ing any town Office, although fully qualified,
being man Of fair education for his day
and possessing remarkably good judgment
on matters in which he was concerned. He
never sought Office of any kind, but was
regular at the polls, and has voted at every
Presidential election since he was made an
elector except at the last. in 1888. His first
vote for President was east in 1903. There
has never been highway nearer to his
house than the one two miles away. The
Thames has been his only highway, and his
travelling usually has been over the water
in bis skill or row-boat.
Mr.. Smith remembers well the War OF
1872. He was then called into service and
stationed at New London. He now receives
a pension as soldier of that war. He dis
tinetly remembers about the frigates United
States and Macedonia and the sloop-Of-war
Hornet lying nearly opposite of where he
lives, the river having been bloekaded by
the English vessels at the mouth of New
London Harbor. He can now clearly recite
the incidents of that time as the ships lay at
anchor, and he remembers taking out to the
ships milk, oysters and other articles needed
on board. lie often mentions the incident
Of the first steam boat the Fulton, and
contrasts the shape. style and propelling
machinery OF that day with those of the
present. He says that the people along the
shore were greatly surprised az seeing a
steam-yesSel, and rushed outof their houses
to gaze in wonder as it moved slowly but
gracefully past In the month of July, 1917,
Mr.. Smith says, the steamer Fulton sailed
up the river with flags flying and music
playing in honor Of James Madison. then
President of the United States, who was ca
board. The President was GU tour through
the Northern States.
The house in which Mr.. Smith was born
stood about half a mile from the wigwam in
which Uneas, the Mohegan chief. lived
little more than a hundred years before.
and within two miles of the old Indian fort
where Uncas was relieved by Themas LET
fngwell of Saybrook when besieged by the
NarraganSetts.
Time has made changes in tile neighbour
hood. railroad now passes along the
shore and through Mr.. Smiths field,
few rods from his front door (the houses all
face toward the water, there being no high
way in the vicinity. and the iron horse
founders along the track with almost light
| ming speed. The Thames now bears upon
| its bosom stately steamers; the telegraph
| flashes the news from the ends of the earth;
| the telephone is performing its wonderful
| mission, and all have sprung into existence
| since the youthful days of the centensrian.
Mr.. Smith had led an transformations life,
| and is greatly respected by his neighbors
and townsmen. Through nearly tive-seore
years lie has been noted for his honesty of
purpose, strict integrity and exemplary
| Christian character. About the year 1904
| he united with the Methodist Church, and
was one of the first to organize church
society at Uucasville, where he has since
been faithful and efficient member, and
even now fofgets not to respond when the
opportunity is presented. Mr. Smith gave
| literally of his means TO the first church,
and aided materially in the building of the
parsonage. contributing also every year to
the support OF the ministry. He, with three
Christian women. betrayed the cost of a
parsonage at Uncasvlle. The first church
was erected there, and many pleasing incl
dents of Mr. Smiths life are associated
with IL