Sylvester W. Smith, Obituary/Death NoticePorter County obituaries and death notices . . . .
Sylvester W. Smith
DEATH'S DOINGS.
The Past Week one of Sorrow to Many of Our Citizens.
SYLVESTER W. SMITH - HIS LIFE AND DEATH.
While contemplating the history of Mr. Smith we are constrained to exclaim, Truly a good man has gone to his rest!
He was born in Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., March 20th, 1813, and after 69 years and 11 months, died at his residence in Valparaiso on the evening of February 5th, 1883. The disease was paralysis, the fourth stroke proving fatal.
S. W. Smith came to Porter county in 1836 and engaged in school teaching at Gossett's Mills. His generous nature soon made him many warm friends and with the confidence always placed in those who are generally good they gave him office, first that of school commissioner, and then as he became widely known he was up higher and held the county offices for years, retaining the auditor's office 16 years, the treasurer's office 4 years and the clerk's office 4 years.
His part in political contests was not marked by the usual tricks and intrigue. The people chose him because of their belief in his singular purity of character.
He was in all respected a self-made man, and although he attended school but a few months, he mastered the common science by personal effort and taught them to others, several of our prominent men having been his pupils.
In 1846 he became acquainted with Louisa A. Pennock and they were united in wedlock Nov. 29th. Their children, 8 in all, now join the bereaved widow in sad circle mourning for a departed husband and father.
His religious history marks even greater success and a consistency that offers an example worthy of imitation. He was converted in New York state when a little boy and joined the Presbyterian church. Moving to Canada in 1834 he found no Presbyterian church and at once placed himself under the care of a Baptist society.
At Valparaiso there being no Baptist church he joined the Methodists and with them remained to the time of his death. He has always been a leading member of the church and entered fully into the spirit of the enterprise that founded the V. M. & F. College, contributing largely toward its support.
A true friend of its minister, a guide for its young members, and a companion for its elder ones, Mr. Smith was to the church a valued pillar and to Jesus Christ a devoted follower. He died in the full faith of a happy awakening in his bright eternal home.
Words and phrases so often used in notices like this, and not always deserved, fall with full force on the history of this man.
A life exemplary, a name more generally respected, or a man more universally beloved could hardly be found. His hand was ever open to the calls of benevolence, even to his own hurt.
One of the warmest friendships formed soon after coming to Porter county was eith Mr. Elias Axe. The intimacy has been continued in business and social relations for abuot 40 years. The writer, conversing with Mr. Axe, learned the many noble and self-sacrificing deeds that mark the life and brighten the death of one who is now mourned by a host of friends, and a family all of whom follow closely in the path of rectitude he marked out.
A good man has passed away in the fullness of years, with honored gray hairs, not one of which can bear evidence to a dishonorable act or an instance of oppression of the unfortunate.
Funeral services were held this morning at 10 o'clock at the M. E. church, conducted by Rev. G. M. Boyd, a large number of friends being present to sympathize with the bereaved ones.
Newspaper: Porter County Vidette
Date of Publication: February 8, 1883
Volume Number: 27
Issue Number: 6
Page: 1
Column(s): 5
Key to Newspaper Publication Locations:
Newspapers Published in Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana
Chesterton Tribune
The Tribune
Westchester Tribune
Newspapers Published in Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana
Porter County Vidette
Practical Observer
Valparaiso Practical Observer
Vidette and Republic
Western Ranger
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Obituary/death notice transcribed by Steven R. Shook