Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1899-08-18
BRATTLEBORO LOCAL.
A wELL-KNowN BENEFAoToR.
Some of the characteristics OF the Late
Hon. Elisha y. Smith OF Menashs,
wis.

IS 7 Kidder in The Advance
There is mourning somewhere daily. But il is
rare to entire city in mourning at he pass
ing away of one of its citizens; is flags at half
mast; its factories still, its largest emily
rooms inadequate for funeral attendants its
budings.draped In sable, It's Streets lined v it'll
fearful women and children, and the fuLeral
train voluntarily escorted by long ranks of work
ing men and citizens Of every grade, in subdued
hundreds; and this, in instructive demonstration,
born Of love, honest grief and common syn
Yet tn was the case last Monday, in Menasha,
Wis. at the funeral Of Hon Elisha d. Smith, who
died Friday evening, July 2, after weeks acute
Mr.. smith was widely known and honored in
business circl as the successful proprietor Of
the "Menasha WoOdtnware company" corpOr.
alton including Mr. Smith and his sons which he
had brought up from the backwoods day, and
from small beginnings, against great obstacles
through marvellous industry. sagacity and steady
push inierwoven with genuine integrity and
practical Christian spirit, to prominence in the
United states, if not in the world among similar
plants and to a patronage that belts the globe.
He was better known locally, however, as a
strong, phianthropic. unassuming, practical citi.
zen, ready in public service, though devoid Of
political ambition; also as quietly sy stematic
helper of the poor a public-spirited but unob
trusve contributor to every nobler civic intert st.
among the tokens of which, multItudes Of fine
shade trees In which the city is embowered, the
beautiful public park on Doty' island, Swallowed
with ancient ell" S and oaks, and the new model
city library building centre OF great local help
funess and of numerous travelling lbraries abide
TO perpetuate his memory. man OF wealth
widely travelled and broadly equipped, he was not
a of luxury or greed. His fine executive
ability and wisdom In affairs were tempered with
the sym pathies of a great heart the spirit of
little child, plain, modest bearing and subtle,
never failing perception Of human needs. His
every day care for the poor his generous concern
for nrig hbors employees in emergency or
trouble. his common practical ministries beside
sick beds and ia Ia urs Of sorrow, and his he p
ful, patient admonltious of the Maynard Will
never be forgotten His manner among men,
utterly free from stateliuess or pride, made him
a cherished friend to ALL AMI mis- warm hand,
kindling smile and WIZ $ Of cheer were evermore
reaoy alike for the lowly and lofty. Every child
and young person knew and loved him IN COM
panionab'e ways.
MIR. smith a deeply religious man, whose
faith aud practice agreed He was for many
years the main stay Of the local congregational
church, which he loved and in which he was
pioneer, and OF whose history aud membership
he always kept careful record He stood by II
not ouly financially but spiritually. His part in
its benefactions was large. yet inconspicuous
He was studiOusly DESTROYS that il should not
seem to be- a zone man" church. He was tlle'ess
IN its service. thoughtful OF every little detail or
ad iustment OF which his long presidency of its
board Of trustees made him aware and a loyal
frietd and cherished C unsellor OF its pastors.
He was wont TO stand early at its door on sun
day with an unfailing inSpiriting welcome for
friend o. guest stranger. He was valued,
constant teacher of many generations In his
Bible school. and deacon of the ideal type.
whose good sense was inval able to its prudential
committee The prayer meeting never missed hi
prunp pit. warm hearted presence in all weathers
when 10 health. nor his helpful words or PRAYER.
IL was his delight to give Taught by his Yer
mont IN )ther whose missionary bag for con
secrated savings always hung at her bed post
over the ascending incense Of her prayers for
Go1s kingdom, his giving was systematic. and.
by offerings never rated in the schedules noted
only in his little secret red book and in the re
cordiug angels volume, he was constantly lifting
some perpexed SOU out Of debt OF trouble, reliev
ing some anxietv, giving some weary one rest
full AGA ton, adjusting some infelicity, soothing
I in and vii hal
| ly keen TO see and in ways that never wound-d
| And withall his sincere everyday piety his CON
stderatsness his openness to fresh light or the
1 better argument, his freedom from prejudice or
malice, his patience under reverses, crilici m r
| spite, and his example OF business integrity
| and energy made him striking model TOT young
| men of today and gave the lie TO the notion that
material success cannot be the fruit OF integrity
| But far hey, nd local scenes, and around the
| hemispheres he was known honored and be
| loved as princely benefactor, whose heart and
purse were never SLOW to the appeal he felt to be
| that Of his Master, and whose bountiful checks
became familiar to all the treasures OF our benev
olent societies. AS corporate member OF the
| American board, judicious director for many
| years OF the Wisconsin Home visionary Society,
! An active trustee of Ripon and Milwaukee Downer
| colleges a staunch friend and large supporter OF
all our benevolent corporations, OF the NJ G.
A., Y. W. c. A., and many another worthy char
ity, he was deeply valued and esteemed Many
| a little frontier chapel holds his memory within
its walls many a noble in titution for human
Christian worker near and far, in the work has
reason TO bless him for kind and unexpected re-
me mbrances in hours of need or peril
All in all, he was a rare man. None in his
neiRhborhood could be so sorely missed In Sc
many places. None, dying could bequeath a
purer, manlier record or leave behind a sweeter
odor OF unaffected loving kindness There are
lew like him. May his mantle, and his spirit OF
devotion to Gods kingdom rest on many.
Mr. Z d Smith was born in Brattleboro, VI,
March 90, 1877, and found his wife, Miss julia
Mowty, during a sojourn in Woonsocket, X.
whom he brought overland, as a bride, to the
then far west of Wisconsin and settled in MenashS
for life work. in 1850 His wife, with two SOM
and a daughter and six grandchildren and one
sister live TO call him blessed, with many thous
A"U -'''' VI s. T. KIDDER.