The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-04-23
WAL TER K. SMITH
 DIES SUDDENLY Succumbs to Heart Failure in
 BeSSenner RELATIVES IN BIRMINGHAM Judge Jackson Opens Regular Term of Court In Bessemer-New Sunday School Plan Is to
 Be Tried.

Bessemer, April 2.-(Special.)- )-All Bes- semer was shocked this afternoon by the sudden death of Walter K. Smith, a prom inent attorney of this city, who died at o'clock in his room adjoining his law office of heart failure. MT. Smith had been i'll for several days and had had med ical attention, but his condition was not considered serious, and his death was a great surprise to his host of friends
 Immediately upon the announcement or the death of the lawyer, his relatives were notified and his eldest son, Walter K. Smith, Jr.. who lives in Birmingham, was the first to arrive He found the remains in charge of w. T. Kennedy, the under taker, a lifelong friend. Mrs Smith is in Livingston, where she has been Visit- ing for some time, and she was notified by wire, but will not come to Bessemer as the funeral is to take place in Living ston. Besides the wife, MT. Smith leaves five children three sons, Walter K, Jr., Robert and Edward, and two daughters, Mrs. J. B. Hobdy, wife of Prof. J. B. Hobdy of Albertville, and Mrs. l.. A. Dun can of Auburn He leaves one brother, A. G. Smith. who Is counsel for the Alabama Great Southern railroad, with headquar- ters in Birmingham.
 Walter K. Smith was 52 years of age. a native of Sumter county, alabama, where he grew up and in early manhood engaged in the mercantile business which he followed for twenty years He then turned his attention to law, which he studied and was admitted to the bar in 18S8 He practiced his profession in Iiv- ingston until 19Ol when he removed to Bessemer and has resided here since that time.
 Mr Smiths father was one of the most prominent lawyers in the state, and ms son became eminent In this profession even after following commercial life for so many years. Stephen another brother of w. K Smith, was merchant ana banker in Livingston and died there two years ago.
 Walter K. Smith was man of fine personality, and although he had his aults, endeared himself to all his asso- ciates and commanded a tne legal prac- tice and the respect and esteem of the business men of Bessemer. He delighted in a passage-at-ar with his opponents in legal affairs and 1t Is told of him that he enjoyed nothing more than to be employed in a case against the railroad company, which his brother represents where the ability of both as lawyers would be demonstrated.
 The remains were prepared here this afternoon, and will be sent to Livingston tomorrow, where the funeral will take place.
 Judge Jackson Opens Court.
 Judge Jackson opened the regular term of court this morning, and at once took up the matter of selecting juries for the term. The following were chosen to serve Jury No. 1, Steven Lacey, w. M Farrell s. G. Roberson. A. J. Hughes, c. J. Kel- Ter. p. F. Murphy. L. A. Thompson, H. M. Shoemaker, S. L.. Watts, J. G. Smith, J. D. Vines and Robert Ragsdale; Jury No 2, Jefferson Sims, J. E. Foster. J. F. Goodwin, J. E. Fox, W. l Brown, l. E. Loveless, E. c. Shaw. C. E Howton. A. J. Caldwell, J. w. Shoot, w. F. obering and R. A. Vines
 The only case called for the day was that of Mrs. Mary Frances Batson Vs the Fidelity Mutual Life Insurance com pany. to recover insurance upon her hus' bands death. The afternoon was spent in discussing the pleadings in the case and the trial will take up the greater part Of the courts time tomorrow.