Goldsboro weekly argus. [volume] (Goldsboro, N.C.) 1885-1909, 1893-08-17
Chief Smiths Life.
History of the Chief of the Cherokee
Eastern Band.

Jas FL. Cathey of Bryson City
sends the Citizen the following acs
count of the life of ex-Chiet Smith,
who died at his home in Swain
county, August 3;
Nlmrod jarrett Smith was born
in Cherokee county January 3,
1887. On reaching manhood he
moved to Swain and identified him-
self with the Indians OF the county
who largely composed what is
known as the Eastern band of the
Cherokees. His individual force and
influence soon won for him the re.
spect and esteem of his race and in
consequence he was elected chief
Of the band, which important place
he occupied for d term Of - years.
His administration was wise and
benefcent, being characterized by
the advancement of his subjects in
all matters of enlightenment and
progress. He fostered education,
introduced the improved modes OF
agriculture, disseminated the doc
trines of true religion and incul>
Gated the sentiments of virtue and
patriotism. He cannot be accused
IF, at any time during his extended
service, attempting to convert to
his personal aggrandisement the
ancient dignity and prerogative of
his Office. Like all great and wise
rulers he was no more himself than
what, in his generous heart, he
wished the humblest man in bis
tribe to be.
Honesty and fair dealing 10 arked
abe every day act of Chief Smith S
lie andwere virtues dearly priced,
Equally despised were the tricks
aud sophistry of an advanced civ
ilization. Love and veneration for
home with its sacred "altars and
it's fires,'' was the superstruc-
ture within his noble breast, upon
which was reared the magnificent
edifice of his loyalty and patriot
ism. He honored and adored the
Union, the South he dearly loved
but sacred soil Of his infancy he
worshiped. The flower of his mans
hood, the strong years of his active
lite were employed in the service
of his race, at least five years c.
which were spent in Washington
City, where every interest of hi
band was watched with the utlnoa
zeal and fidelity.
| Since the time of Col. VIM. 81
Thomas Chief Smith may be styled
the ohnly real and true benefactoI
of the remnant Of an unfortunate
race who chose to remain upon th'
soil of their fathers, under The pro-
lection of the "Great Father" ane
the common wealth of North Caro-
lima.
| In personal appearance Chic
Smith was stately and propossess
ing, being over six feet tall, straigh
as an arrow, with bust Of Hurcu
lean mould. His face was int lii
gent and handsome and his hair
which by slight infusion of eau
casian blood inclined to curl, lal
in dark and ample folds upon hi
shoulder. His carriage was cas-.
and majestic with the stealth.
grace and spring of the aborigines
In physique he was indeed per
feet type of the American IndiaI
unadulterated. He married I
white lady, who survives him. ant
whose maiden name we are unable
to give. A large family was th'
sue of this union, all OF whom arr
; sprightly and handsome and with
} out exception blessed with fai
education. His family RELATIONSHIP
was always peaceful and happy
affording a beautiful example TO
J the emulation of his neighbors.
u Chief Smith was fer twent,
! years a member of the Baptis
church, and for several years i'm
mediately preceding his death b
was a valued member of Oceane
ledge A. T. & A. M. at Brysol
City. A large concourse of peopi
representing both races followe'
his remains to their earthly resting
place. They were inferred with Ma
. sonic bonors.-Ashevalle Citizen.
Magnetic Neryine. the great restorativ