Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1906-03-09
OBITUARY.

Perley M. Smith, at $3.50 p. IN. on Feb.
2Sth, 1906, Ira U. Smith at the age of
81 years passed peacefully away. The
two surviving members of his family
were present, son, Perley NJ, and a
daughter, Miss Jeunjs v. Smith. fr7u
Lowell, Ehss Nte rssstNca ~
bedsids u hs=, -. sfGtbt -
she leaIIsi g. II. ~. i - ~
Ira u. Smith was born January 26,
1926, in Chester, Vermont, where he
lived until 81 years of age when he
moved to Worcester Mass, where he
engaged in business as contractor and
builder. In 1849 he married Miss Dor
othy Neal Hoyt of West New Portland,
Maine.
Two children were born to them,
Perley M. Smith, of the hardware firm
of Smith & Glass of Alma, Mich, and
| Jennie K. Smith, who will long be re-
membered by her numerous friends as
the efficient head for several years of
the department of musicrin the Alma
high school.
After about fifteen years of successful
business operations in Worcester, Mass,
Mr.. Smith returned to his native town
to care for his aged pS.-S.st.= ;T99::ch lie
did during the remainder Of their ts-
clining years. In 1870 death claimed
his companion and later tinj life he
welded Mrs Fannie Davis Abort,
widow having two sons. Aftershis.sec-
ond marriage he againlmoved to Wor-
cester, Mass, to take charge iof the
wood working department. .inithei shops
of the Worcester Consolidated. Street
Railway Co., which position he filed
with marked ability and fidelity until
the death of his secondEwife ina1S9S,
and being left alone he ..resigned his
position and in 1899 came to Michigan,
since which time he has madeshis home
with his son in Alma, making occasional
visits TO his native town.
His life has been one of energetic
business activity and his leisure mo-
ments devoted to general reading, being
possessed of fine literary taste, and an
excellent memory. His. mind was
stored with useful knowledge. He was
student of history, both ancient and
modern, and to many of the arts and
sciences he was not stranger. In me-
chanics he excelled, being well versed in
the various branches and well skilled in
their practical application.
Politically, he was a%staunch republic
can, and took deep interest in the well
fare of his country; in its foreign re-
lations, as well as domestic affairs, he
was well informed.
His religious views were broad and
LIBERAL though he was not member of
any religious organization, he was a firm
believer in the doctrine of universal
salvation-that the love of God was all
sufficient for the redemption of the
whole world. The golden rule was his
motto. His life was an exemplary one.
believing, as he did, that the individual
possessed no more of of Christianity than
was exemplified by his daily walk.
Honesty, justice, equity and good fell
| lowship characterized his every action
to know him was to love him. Socially,
he was a kind and loving husband, an
affectionate and indulgent father, a
genial companion and sincere friend.
During his sojourn in Alma, though his
circle of acquaintance was not a1ge,
his genuine worth, genialily and I'M
swerving fidelity made for him many
friends, who deeply mourn their loss
and whose tender sympathy goes out to
the family in their bereavement.
His last illness was of short duration,
with little, or no, apparent suffering,
Retaining consciousness almost to the
last, he manifested his appreciation for
all that was done for him. His child
rem were his constant attendants and
nothing was left undone that medical
skill, loving hearts and willing hands
could do to minister to his comfort,
while he patiently waited the final sum-
MONS when it came, he went to sleep
rs calmly anu pedcelully do pooo
when soothed to slumber by tender
mothers care.
A short service was held at the house
at a. m. ON Friday last, when, after
reading and prayer by the Rev. Funnel,
an appropriate solo entitled, 1.-THE Peace
of Cod, was most excellently rendered
by Miss Essie Hooper, after which, the
remains, accompanied by his children,
were taken to his native town for burial
in the family lot.