William H. SMITH, father of Mrs. R. M. FARTHING, died of apoplexy at the home of his brother, Benjamin, in Moore's Prairie at 2 o'clock yesterday morning.

Mr. SMITH had attended a party the evening before at the residence of Mr. John BODEN in the neighborhood, in commemoration of the forty-third anniversary of the latter's birthday. So enjoyable was the occasion that he did not return home until about midnight and is reported to have stated that he felt unusually well. A short time after, however, he was attacked by a severe pain in the chest and stomach which was relieved by the application of the usual household remedies.

About 2 o'clock he grew worse and in hope of finding relief from his suffering, walked out into the open air, where he was stricken down in an unconscious condition and died in a few minutes. His brother hearing him fall went to his aid, but could be of no assistance as he was insensible and died before he could be carried into the house. Deceased was a well known citizen and held various township and county offices. He had served the public creditably as County Clerk, Assessor, Treasurer as well as in several minor positions.

Deceased was born July 21st, 1833, consequently was a little over sixty-three years of age at the time of his death.

Mr. SMITH was married in March 1858 to Miss Dicey J. ARNOLD, daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth ARNOLD.

Of this union six children were born, Ben, Rose, John, Lee, Eva and Kerren, all of whom live in Oregon except Ben, who is a resident of South Dakota, and Eva as the wife of Judge R. M. FARTHING, lives in Mt. Vernon.

The first wife having died Mr. SMITH was married about five years ago to Miss Mary MUNDINGER, of Ashley, whose death took place last November.

Of the second wedding two children were born, one of whom died in infancy while the other, Hoke, survives his parents and is now three years old. /p>

The funeral of Mr. SMITH took place at 11 o'clock this morning with interment at Hamms Grove Cemetery. The obsequies were conducted by Rev. J. C. HARRISS of the First Baptist Church.

Source: Mt. Vernon, IL Register (Weekly)
Date: August 19, 1896
Submitted by: Mary Zinzilieta