The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1905-09-07


THE LAST RITES.
Services permitting townspeople, friends and
associates to unite i'm a tribute OF respect to the
memory of Joseph Otis Smith were held at the
family home on Water street, sunday afternoon al
three O'Clock, Deacon LleWeIIyn Goodwin act
ing as director
that was mortal of the man in whose honor
peighbors and friends had assembled, surrounded
by a profusion of flowers, tributes Of personal
friends, fraternal orders and business assocla-
lions with whom he had been closely iden-
tilted. Prominent among these expressions OF
esteem were the honOred badge OF the Grand
Army, shield from the Bethany Church. sur
mounted by the word "Faithfuln, a word EN-
bodving one of the noble traits of Mr. Smiths
characters a beautiful wreath of roses from the
Good Will Home Association, and two handsome
pieces from the Masonic bodies emblematic OF the
order.
The services were opened with prayer by the
Rev H. F. Huse of the First Baptist Church. fol-
lowing which the Rev. George Merriam, pastor
of the Bethany Baptist Church, of which the de
ceased was a deacon and most valued member,
read appropriate passages from the Scripture.
Rev q. d. B. Pepper, ID. D. Of Naterville
spoke of Mr. Smith in his public relations,
noting briefly some of the many ways in which
the public had benefited by his fidelity in posi-
tions of honor and trust of the faith placed in
him by men in all walks of life and of the uni
yersai respect expressed for him by those with
whom he had been associated IN official positions
Rev. \. l. Lane Of Good VIII told of his
relations with the departed and of the privilege
he had frequently enjoyed of being member
of the home circle. The speaker felt that he had
thus had an opportunity to estimate more truly
than could otherwise be done, the many beauti-
full qualities of the man they We're manifested
in the seelusion of his home.
The feelings of all present were faithfully
portrayed by Rev. Mr.. Merriam he spoke of
the thankfulness which should prevail that such
a man had lived and been spared through
so many fruitful years. that the gratitude for
the influence that the deceased had made felt
for good in many ways during his life
should reconcile all with the unerring wisdom of
God though He had determined that that life
should cease His well-knoWn connection with
the Grand Army and his respect for that order
we're touched upon by the speaker, who teeliugl>
referred to the American flag draped near the
casket and to the sword standing close By, car
ried by the deceased in the war OF ls6l-65
in the defense of his country.
The services at The home closed with PRAYER
by the Rev L. h. Lane, and the henedietion.
pronounced by the Rev II. F. Huse. Ii WAS APP
parent that the words of each speaker were from
the heart that their remarks portrayed the char
acter of beloved and respected friend.
The remains were taken TO the South Gene
terry for interment and brief services were con
Quoted at the grave The ca~ket WIS borne from
the house by f. F. Dauiorth. Chas. H. Pepper,
A X Butler and f. e. NcNccHe. as active bear
ers, while General Isaac Dyer Rosmus l.. Mitch
ell James Fellows and Edward Merrill served
an honorary escort for ihe nad} - ITS maj
resting place.