The commercial. (Union City, Tenn.) 190?-193?, 1905-09-22

QaUe. IN 1904 he became member of
the Associate Reformed Presbyterian
Church, ia which he continued, with
constant devotion to its interests, to
the end of his life.
Though modest and never ostenta-
tious he was always liberal in his con-
tributions to the institutions of his
! church and to all charitable purposes.
He devoted also much of his time and
means to the cause of education, serv-
ing as president of the board of the
local college and public schools Of his
community for many years. Firm in
his convictions, but never dogmatic or
fanatical, he was always ready to join
in such public enterprises as tended
to promote the good of his community.
He possessed, in an eminent degree, a
clear perception and sound Judgment
on all questions and was liberal and
charitable in his views and opinions.
He was pre-eminently broad-minded,
public-sprited and useful citizen and
was looked to and recognized as a
leader in his community. 1t is more
than simple truth to say of Major
Smith that he was blessing and a
benefactor to the community in which
he lived, and no man has been called
from life in that community whose
death was a greater loss or more uni
versally mourned.
He was tail of figure and command
ing presence and distinguished bear
ing, always courteous, respectful and
considerate towards his fellows
whether of high or low degree. He
was gentle, kind and indulgent to his
family in such marked degree as to
become the subject of frequent COM
ment among his brother lawyers and
others. Not only at his home but in
his Office amid the cares and busy
scenes of Office work he would receive
J the members Of his family and
give them that courteous and kind
consideration and attention due to
guest His home was an ideal one; he
enjoyed the love of his wife and chill
dren and grandchildren and always
manifested for them devotion and
interest above the ordinary.
He married, in 1854, Miss Sarah Al
len, of Upton County, with whom he
lived happily in that relation until
her death on the 4th of March, 1899.
They reared six children, five of whom
survive him, including Mr.. f. ].
Smith, member of our profession,
and his partner at the date of his
death. He left surviving him in ad-
dition to these five children, twenty
four grandchildren and six great
grandchildren.
During his career as lawyer he
had great part in settling and ad-
iusting the land titles in the counties
of Obion and Lake, as the records in
these counties for the last forty years
will show His dealings with his fell
low lawyers, his clients and opposing
| litigants and witnesses were always
characterized by a high sense Of fair
ness, honesty and justice He never
oppressed client or drove hard bar
gain; his business dealings, as well as
his professional conduct, were always
open, fair and above board and were
never the subject of adverse criticism,
He practiced his profession upon the
plane Of its true ethics. He was true
to his clients, to the courts, to his
brother lawyers and to his own man.
hood, just to opposing litigants and
their witnesses. LIZ the record justi- |
fed and required it his criticisms
were sharp, logical and to the point,
but never consisted of mere abuse or
denunciation. We are glad to record
here what was often said by his pro-
fessional brothers of Major Smith be-
fore his death, that he was the most |
universally loved lawyer within the
knowledge Of this bar. He was ever
the friend of the young lawyer. He
gave them warm hand OF fellowship,
and welcomed them into the profes-
sion, and was never too busy or tired
to aid them in every possible way |
within his power when he could. His
was an ideal life, and an irreproacha-
bile career. He was noble example
Of true manhood, an honor TO our pro-
fession and to the community In which |
he lived. He fought many a legal
battle and successfully shivered lances
with the giants Of the profession. He
was noted not only for his ability and
clear perception Of legal questions,
but for his industry and untiring en-
ergy in the preparation Of his cases.
He was always ready with his case
well in hand. 1t was his practice not