Milford chronicle., 1911-09-22
Death CLOSES ACTIVE
LIFE OF ". 7. SMITHERS

The people OF the state Of Delaware
: were shocked and grieved when they
learned of the sudden death Of William
T. Smithers, Secretary Of State, early
last Friday morning. Mr.. Smithers
seemed to be in the best Of health be-
fore retiring. He had attended an en-
tertainment ct the opera house, and
had later gone over to the State House,
where he looked over the articles OF
Incorporation for the dupont Road
Company, for which he would probably
have issued a charter the day OF his
death. Mr.. Smithers was So years OF
age, and life long Delawarean. His
whole life he has been an active church
worker, and worked for the good OF
fellow citizens. Death was due to
Angina Pectoris. an affection Of the
heart.
Mr. Smithers was born at Frederick.
Delaware, he being the oldest son OF
Joseph and Mary T. Smithers. While
he was still young, his father died and
his mother soon afterwards married
again.
Mr.. Smithers studied law under
Nathaniel B. Smithers with whom
Chief Justice Pennewill was studying
at the same time Both completed
their law course at the same time and
were admitted to the bar A law Office
was opened jointly by the young law
yers. In politics, Mr.. Smithers was
Republican. His first Office was given
him in 1897, when be was elected a
member Of the Constitutional COnven-
tion. Most Of the foremost men OF his
profession we're members Of the con-
veatiOn, and it's deliberations were par
tieipated in by him.
AT all times a student, an orator, an
and a guide, he was much
in demand as q public speaker He
was also an interesting writer. Until
q few years ago, Mr.. Smithers was a
Methodist, but with the founding OF
the Peoples Church, at Dover, ne
Joined it, in fact, he was one OF the
Of the church.
Funeral services were held Sunday
afternoon at l O'Clock at his home and
80 at the church. The services at the
church were very impressive, the pas
or, DR.. LightbOurne, conducted them.
.nterment at Barratt's Chapel.
Governor PenBewill in speaking OF
dr Smithers' death, said:
"In the death OF Mr.. Smithers the
itate has lost most useful citizen and
ffieial. His death is particularly sad
D me because Of our official relations.
Ie was q mau Of sterling qualities and
Dvable disposition. He will be missed
y every body"
Chief Justice Pennewill also paid q
ign tribute to Mr.. Smithers, whom
g said he had known since he was IS
ears old The Chief Justice said he
fought Mr. Smithers was one of the
andsomest young men he had ever
en, and a sweet singer, too. Contin.
ing, be said
Il have known Mr.. Smithers init.
ately since he was I6 years old and
: has seemed wonderfully close to me
7 many years. By his death 1 thll
10 State has lost one Of its most con-
icuous aud interesting citizens. There
as certainly no one who possessed a
ore attractive personality, lovable
ialities, clean life and upright char
ter"
Or Lightbourne added this tribute
the deceased secretary:
iHis was a grand character and he
II be missed. He died right, but It
Il be hard to fill his place 10 this
Personally feel IS IL
d lost brother"
With the death Of William T. Smith.
i, Delaware has lost capable public
Ice holder and a citizen, who will
missed by persons in all walks OF