The evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1907-1908, 1908-01-22

family plot in the circle at the Cemetery
of the Holy Sepulchre, where Mr.. Smith
erected a monument in memory of his
wife about a e ago.
Mr.. Smith had been ailing off and on
for years, and several years ago his
sight became affected, but by the ag-
gressive determination that was a char
acteristic of Mr.. Smith, he resisted the
disease, and by taking good care of
himself preserved his eyes, though they
remained affected to a considerable de-
gree.
Another characteristic of Mr.. Smith
was thoroughness. If he started on a
bit of work he kept at it until he con-
cluded. When he thought he was right
on a matter he stood by his opinions,
though if he found that he was wrong
he would concede the fact. He was a
man who raised himself to a high point
in the business world through his own
efforts. G
Mr.. Smith was born in Dublin, Ire
land, and came here with his parents
when a child. After going to school
here he learned the pattern-making
trade and worked in the plant of the
New Jersey Zinc Company. During
the Civil Wal he enlisted in the navy,
and served until the end of it. after
which he went back to his trade.
lie was supervisor of the old Aque-
duct Board for many years until it
was succeeded in 1891 by the Board of
Street and Water Commissioners. He
was of an inventive urn of mind, and
in his work for the city prepared many
little devices to simplify machinery
connected with the water service.
After leaving the water department
he sought to invent a tapping machine,
so hat the flow of water through pipes
in the street need not be cut off while
making a connection. He finally sue
ceeded, and after man strenuous tests
it was found successful and was
adopted i'm this city.
AS information of it was spread
through the country. Europe, Australia
and other countries, it found a great
field by reason of its utility. At the
present time it is in use in practically
all places where water supplies are
maintained. Mr.. Smith organized the
A. p. Smith Manufacturing Company
and established a plant in this city.
Mr.. Smith had always been a Demo-
crat and was identified with politics in
the eastern section of the city for
years, but he never allowed it to in
terfere with his business. He was .
member of the Joel Parker Club. Of
this city, and Of the Democratic Club
of New York.
Socially he was we'll known and we'll
liked. He always liked the water, a
reason which led him to become a
sailor during the Civil War, and ne
continued attracted to it during his
after life.
He kept a small yacht in the Pas
sale River for several years, but lately
had it in Connecticut, where he bought
a large stretch Of land and where he
spent a great part Of his time. He be-
came a member of the Eureka Yacht
Club, of this city: the Dauntless Yacht
Club, of Essex, Conn, and of the Hart
ford Yacht Club. He was president
of the former. He was also a mem
Der of the Fidelia Fishing Club, which
included many well-known men of this
city among its members.
Mr.. Smith was a generous contributor
to charitable and church work, though
he did not like to let people know it.
Catholic Club. AS a young man he had
considerable local fame as a singer, and
was a member of st. James's Church
choir and later of st. Aloysius's choir.
Mr.. Smith is survived by, two sons and
two daughters, namely, Mrs. Margaret
Halpin, wife of Board of Works Com
missioner Thomas L. Halpin; Michael
j. Smith, Miss Mary Frances Smith,
Peter A. Smith, one sister. Mrs. James
Reilly, and three grandchildren.