Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-01-13
A RESPECTED CITIZEN GONE.
Death Of Hos. WIN. R. Smith, Aged Nearly 81
Years, Friday Afternoon.

The death of William r. Smith by reu-
ralgia of the heart, Friday afternoon, has
made profound impression on this CON-
munity where he has resided for 60 many
years, and especially among that large cir
Gle Of friends and acquaintance with whom
he had been associated and by whom he
was greatly esteemed. He passed away by
q sudden attack, and thus it may be said
tina. death came as friend and not as an
enemy.
He was born in Wiscasset, Feb. "a, 1918.
At an early sge he began to learn the art of
printing in the Office of the Lincoln Intelli-
gencer, then published by John Dor, where
be remained until 20 years Of age, when
he entered the Office of the Augusta Age. In
1886 he became associated with George
Robinson in the ownership of that
paper. He retained his active
proprietary interest in the Age until 1874,
when he sold it and retired from the pub
fishing business. The Age was then the
leading Democratic paper in the State, and
it was conducted with ability, literary cor
rectness, and precision of style. Mr.. Smith
then engaged in mercantile business, in
which he continued until 1850, when he was
appointed register of probate for Kennebec
county.
In 1854 be became the cashier of the
State Bank of this city, which position he
filled until 1864, when he was chosen cash
Ter of the First National Bank of Augusta.
In this responsible post he remained until
1868, when he retired with honor, receiving
the thanks of the directors and a liberal
gift from those whose interests he had
cared for SO faithfully. In 1857 he had
been made treasurer OF the Augusta
Savings Bank. The business of
that institution increased so rapidly
that he was finally compelled to give it his
exclusive attention. When he assumed
the duties of the Savings Bank, its deposits
amounted to 81 600, and before he was
compelled by failing health to retire from
that position, the amount held in trust by
that institution amounted to 100000.
In August, 1889, i'll health compelled him
to give up active duty at the Savings Bank,
though he continued treasurer until 1891.
His financial judgment and remarkable eff
ficiency in managing this large savings in
,t.t, hut Cd orro1xy ITO and
to the public confidence in is soundness
and safety.
For many years the deceased took deep
interest in the public schools, AMI gave
freely his time and best efforts to promote
their character and prosperity. The ex-
cellent school system of Augusta owes much
to him. Naming one of the principal
schools Of the city, the William Il. Smith
grammar school was just and fitting tribute
to his educational services to tie city of his
long residence. For many years Re took q
deep interest in the Odd Fellows associa-
ton, having filled its most important offices
and shared strongly'in the confidence and
regard of its members.
In his religious faith he was Universal
list of pronounced type, holding his opinions
with a precision. clearness and firmness,
which did not admit of Indebtedness or
doubt. For half a century he was an active
member of the Universalist Society, and in
the erection of the Winthrop Street brick
church he contributed heavily. and has
always been liberal in his payments to the
annual expenses of the society and the de-
nomination. His interest in Forest Grove
cemetery has been marked for many years.
Asawriter Mr.. Smith had superior merits.
Clear, perspicuous ard logical, no one
could fail to perceive his meaning and to be
impressed by the force of his statements
and arguments. Had he devoted himself
exclusively to literary pursuits, his success
would have been marked.
William Robinson Smith married Miss
Sarah 3. Cochrane, December, 1872, and
their long union was mutually fortunate
and happy. He never fully recovered
from his keen afiiiction caused by the loss
of his daughter, Mrs. Nellie Daniels, who
died in 1887, to whom be was devotedly at
tached. His aged companion will feel her
loss most deeply. He leaves two sons and
an adopted daughter, who will keen'y real
ize the loss of him, who has always been
kind father. May the blessings of the Divine
Father rest on the afflicted household.
j. L. S.