DEATH CLAIM WM. W. SMITH
Was One of Lafayette's Most Prominent Citizens-Vice-
President of Merchants National Bank
William W. SMITH, one of the best known and most highly respected business
men of Lafayette, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Adam WALLACE, 159
North Grant Street, West LaFayette, Saturday afternoon after a long illness.
For the twenty-four hours preceeding his death Mr. SMITH was unconscious. He
was born in Clark Co. OH July 07, 1835 and in 1845 his parents moved to
Southern Illinois. Ten years later he left Illinois and came to LaFayette,
arriving here on March 15, 1855. On June 1 of that year he was united in
marriage with Melissa E. JOHNSTON, who died December 25, 1915. After their
marriage they lived in LaFayette for a number of years and then in 1882 moved
to farm on the Wea Plains, where they lived until 1885. At that time Mr.
SMITH was elected County Treasurer and the family moved to Lafayette again,
where they have since lived.
SOUND BUSINESS MAN
Mr. SMITH served two terms as County Treasurer and when the Merchants'
National Bank was organized in 1890, he was elected the first vice-president,
which office he held for twenty-seven years. From the time of the founding of
the bank up to the time of his last illness, he took a keen interest in
upbuilding of the institution and it was to a great extent through his
efforts that the bank grew to be one of the largest and soundest banks in the
state.
Early in life he united with the Methodist church and was a member of
Trinity church, this city. He was also a member of the I. O.O. F., No. 55,
which organization he joined in 1858 and was one of the staunchest
republicans in the county.
Surviving are four children. Marcellus and Werdie P. SMITH, both of
California: Delos W. SMITH, now in the Y.M.C.A. work overseas and Mrs. Carrie
B. WALLACE of West Lafayette.
Interment in Springvale Cemetery will be private. Friends are requested
of omit flowers.