The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-01-21
A PROMINENT CITIZEN GONE
Thomas B. Smith was Stricken With
Apoplexy on Thursday, and
Breathed His Last This forming
A nan Liked by All Who Knew
Him

Thomas B. Smith died at his home, No.
Ola Jefferson street, at 10 o'clock this morn.
Ing, from apoplexy, which stroke he suffer.
ed yesterday morning. He was 90 years OF
age.
Mr.. Smith was one OF the best known
and wealthiest men in the city and self
made man, rising from poor boy to a
man OF influence and responsibility in
every walk of life. Yesterday he went
to the Bank of Wilmington and Brandy.
wine bank for the purpose of attending q
meeting of the directors. Beside MIR. Smith
there were present j. Newlin Gawthrop
and George s. Capelle
Mr. Smith complained to Mr.. Gawthrop
of pain In his head and of dizziness,
which he said was something unusual to
him. He rested his head on his hands to
get ease, and as he became worse he was
taken homo in carriage. DIR. j. w.
Crumbeugh was summoned and he pro-
nounced the ailment apopleSy An hour
later the patient became critically III. Mr.
Smith lost his power of Speech and as it
became apparent that life would only
last short time relatives from distance
were notified. They arrived during the
evening.
DR.. Crumbaugh was called into consul
taJlon withDr. S1ader,a Phila. specialist of
the heart and lungs but despite the efforts
10 check the ravage Of the disease. Mr.
Smiths condition became worse He con.
tinued to sink and in the early morning
sank into unconciousness in which condi.
ton be remained until the hour of his
death. At the bedside were his two soma
aud two daughters beside a number OF
relative5.
Mr. Smith was born in the historic
house at No. 025 Shipey street ON August
2, 1885 His parents were John II. Smith
and Susan p. O'Hara He was educated
In the various public schools of the city.
At the age Of is years, on June s, 1859, he
became connected with Harlan and Hol-
lingsworth.
His earliest duties were those Of the SIM
plest clerical nature, but as tim, went on
he not only grew Into the regard but also
into the confidence Of his employers, and
rose from one position to another through
the different grades of office work, but al
ways in the line Of accounts and books,
until on the formation of the Harlan and
Hollingsworth Company in 1867 lie was
made treasurer and also secretary Of the
corporation.
He had, moreover, performed these
larger services In manner wholly &C.
ceptable to the company, and retained
the esteem Of the community and the
clientage of the concern for integrity, hon.
esty and fidelity In the discharge OF his
official responsibilities.
He had lived retired for number of
years. He however retained the position
of vice-presidept of the Equitable Guaran-
tee and Trust Company. He WAS men,
Der of the Delaware House of Representa-.
tives and statel commissioner to the
Worlds Columbian Exposition. He was
trustee of the State Hospital for the
Insane at Farnhurst and Of the Delaware
Hospital here
He WAS one Of the largest stock holders
In the Harlan and Hollingsworth Com.
pany and held many other securities. His
wealth made him charitable and as mem.
Der and trustee of Grace NJ. Il. Church he
exerted quite an influence
Mr.. Smith leaves two sons, Samuel X.
Smith, treasurer of the Harlan and Hol-
lngsworth Company, having succeeded
his father, and Talley j. Smith, of No. Cos
King street. A widow and two daughters
also survive him.
Mrs Smith was a Miss Kirk Of Bnlti.
more. She Is lying i'll Il prccarious condi-
ton and her death Is expected at any min
ute
DR.. Crumbaugh this afternoon reported
that Mrs. Smith was somewhat better