The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-21
HE LOVES TO
 TALK OF THE PAST
A Reader of Books-Interested in and conversant With Current Events. Winter of Life Crowned
 With Rich Reward.
BY FRANK V. EVANS.

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 VV est living native citizen of Jeff 0 ferson county His real estate holdings in Birmingham and vicinity are larger than those of any other man; he has been a prominent fac- tor in the building up of this city; he is man of pronounced convictions and of bold expression, and is perhaps, the most widely known citizen of Jefferson
 Dr. Smith was born in ISIS. and is therefore one year older than the state of Alabama. His birthplace was on a plantation near where the city of Besse- mer now stands. The Jefferson county that now is was then Blount county, Mississippi territory.
 Life Co-eviI With Alabama.
 The career of Dr. Smith and the fact that the man lives today who budded into life contemporary with his state, and with 1t has partaken of every bless Ing vouchsafed by the hand of nature, suffered with 1t in every hindranceI to peace and progress, and won with 1t a distinction for strength, entities that man to a place in history, and there 1t must be indelibly placed.
 With four-score years and seven borne upon his head, occupying a beautiful su- Surban home. in view of Birmingham, surrounded by all the comforts made possible by the results of an active and successful business life, Dr. Smith has withdrawn from participation in the work of the day and upon a couch in his li- brary he is calmly passing the evening of a life rewarded with rich fruition.
 A Model Home.
 That home is not a palace of gawdy build. No massive columns, glittering furnishings and marble halls of labyrin- thian space, no retinue of servants in liveried attire mar the beauty and calm ness of that charming home. 4,ot all the wealth possessed by it's master could add 10 the charm and comfort of the home of Dr. Smith. It Is all that he would have 1t be-a home indeed; and mot for the crown the Bourbons wore" would he exchange it today. The visitor is first impressed by the immaculate whiteness of the outer view and surroundings and of the faultless cleanliness of the home so characteristic of the master Tower ing oaks, planted fifty years ago by the hands of him who now rests under their shade, stand sentinels at the gates. Rich lawns of green grass carpet the yard, sweet-scented roses ana an hum dred other families of rich and rare flowers, speak of that tenderness, cul- ture and refinement which dwell within well-kept garden, and orchard and vineyard in the rear and hives of busy bees betoken the active and provident life of a real master and here is an object lesson at the Smith nome which can be studied with profit by the youth of today.
 In the Library.
 In the modest library where Dr. Smith dwels the whole of the daylight hours, there are newspapers, magazines, books; end the contents of these add life, and comfort to his hours of rest. Upon the walls hang enframed pictures of his fla ther, his mother and his wife, who long ago passed into enternity; and turning his eyes from his books he often gazes upon these dear faces, which bring be- fore his mind sweet reminders of the past, and cheer him along the way.
 A Happy Family.
 Though a widower. Dr. Smith does not live alone. An offspring of three gener- ations are now living in Jefferson county; and these love and tenderly watch over him in his winter of life and make 1t glorious by the sunshine of their af- lection. Upon the death of his wife years ago, ne called TOT ms son, Colonel T. U. Smith, and his wife and children to come to his home and with him enjoy the comforts and joy; and in that home to- day is blended a loving companionship of old age. vigorous manhood, gracious and tender womanhood, and bright, laughing and playful childhood Such ! picture! The personification of the word called happiness.
 Three Generations of Children.
 January 5th, 1903, Dr. Smith called to- gether his living children, grand-child- ren and at-grand-children, and around the family table sat forty-two all branch es of the stately human tree. There were