Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1915-07-16

The death OF MIR. Phileman C. Smith,
which occurred last Friday morning at
the home of his mother-in-law, Mrs.
Kate Skinner, in St. Joseph, while ex-
pected to many who knew his condition,
was blow to his family and friends, and
his death has created void not only in
his family circle but in the comm unity
in which he lived that can never be filled.
In fact the parish, of which he was life
long-resident, has lost citizen that can
i'll be spared, and the cause of education
a champion who has labored zealously
Tor nearly two score years toward the
perfection OF the present public school
system that is to-day the pride OF ouI
parish.
Mr. Smith was born on .'Lochland"
plantation, in this parish, April -3rd.
1857, his parents being Maj Frederick
Grayson Smith, who was for many years
US Marshal for this district, and Mis-.
Fannie Chew He Was also a nephew oil
the late DIR. Phileman Chew, one OF the
most prominent and popular citizens in
the parish.
In 1891 Mr.. Smith married Miss Jessie
Skinner, of st. Joseph, who with three
children, Katherine, Fred and Fannie,
survives him.
Those whose good fortune it was to
know Mr.. Smith well and in timately ap-
preciated his sterling character, his hon.
esty Of purpose and uprightness OF lite
and esteemed him more highly with in
creasing years.
The funeral services were conducted
from the residence Saturday morning by
the Rev. Geo. Fox, pastor of the NJ. f.
Church at " 'terproof, st. Joseph and
Wesley, of which latter deceased was for
many years consistent member. The
casket was covered with the most beau
tiful floral designs, wrought by loving
hands, ALL Of which spoke of peace,
purity and Immortality. At the close of
the services a long procession followed
the funeral car to the depot, where the
remains were shipped to Natchez for in
terment, accompanied by the family and
number OF friends who knew and
loved the deceased.
Mr.. Smith was a devoted husband and
kind and indulgent father; to his
friends the soul OF fellowship. But the
greatest of all he was man. And as
man it is that those who knew him best
must love and contemplate him. He be-
lieved in the fatherhood of God and the
brotherhood of man. He believed that
the man who scatters fowersin the path.
way of his fellow men, who lets into the
dark places of life the sunshine OF human
sympathy and human happiness. is fol-
lowing in the footsteps of his Master.
His last words were expressive of peace
in God and willingness to depart and
be at rest with Him. His cheerful, help
full life; his devotion to his wife and fam
ily.and kindness to everybody will long
linger as fragrant memory in the home
which his presence frightened and which
ieath has now darkened. Though he is
gone his record has been made and will
remain with us az lasting treasure. His
life was gentle, but like still waters it was
leep. In his heart Of hearts he carried
those he loved, and his hand was never
weary, his step never failed in caring for
and ministering to those who were in any
:ay dependent upon him.
How sweet life was his; how sweet a death;
L wing to wing with mirth the merry hours.
Or with his genial tales the heart to cheer;
Dying, to leave a memory like the heath
or summer. full OF sunshine and flowers,
grief and gladness In the atmosphere"
Besides devoted wife he leaves two
daughters and one son. We can only re-
mind these mourners that he is not dead,
he is only asleep-resting after long
and well spent life; he cannot, and would
not if he could, return to us; we can, il
we will, go to him. Behind the storm
clouds always turks the rainbow and
when the storm is past it weeps upon the
flowers of the land and pearls of the sea.
Darkness proceeds the dawing and out of
the blackness of night comes the sunshine
and joy of the day. And 60 from the
beauty of his life take an inspiration and
60 forth to live as he lived, so that when
the summons comes you may say as did
he. "ill is WE'LL"