Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Smith, Peter March 1897
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Marilyn Ransom mlnransom@chartermi.net June 10, 2010, 4:59 pm

The Ionia Standard, Friday, April 2, 1897
Peter Smith, an early and well known resident of this city, was found dead in 
the little building, corner Second and Washington streets, owned by him, about 
seven o’clock Sunday morning.  Mr. Smith makes it his home with his son 
Eugene, on Lafayette street, and is usually home before 9 o’clock.  He seldom 
stays away, and when he does is usually particular to notify the family.  On 
this account Mr. and Mrs. Smith were somewhat uneasy at his non-appearance, 
but as he was quite sensitive about being followed and taken care of, they 
made no search for him.  Robt. Caine, whose place is next to Mr. Smith, 
noticed that a window was broken the next morning, and looking through about 7 
o’clock saw the form of a man on the floor.  He sent his son Will to notify 
Eugene, who came down at once and found his father.  He was fully dressed, so 
that it was evident he had not been to bed.  He had fallen in the north-east 
corner of the room, striking the wall, causing a severe bruise over eye, and 
seemed also to have struck the window and broken it.

Coroner Joslin summoned a jury of inquest, which returned a verdict of death 
by apoplexy, in accordance with the testimony of Drs. Conner and Beckwith.  
Mr. Allured was of opinion that he had not been dead over three or four hours, 
but whether he was taken earlier in the evening and lay unconscious sometime 
before dying can only be surmised.  The indications were that he had not moved 
from the position where he first settled on the floor.

Deceased was born in the township of Waterloo, Seneca county, N.Y., July 3, 
1823, being thus in the 74th year of his age.  He came to Ionia in 1848.  He 
was a carpenter by trade, and a good workman.  He was married to Anna 
Robinson, of Orleans, in 1856, and to this union were born three children, all 
living, Frank, of Milwaukee; Eugene and Charles, of this city.  His first wife 
died in 1864, and he was married to Lovilla Wager a year or two afterwards.  
His second wife died in 1800, since which time he has made his home with his 
son Eugene.  Three brothers survive him: one at Howell, Mich., and one in 
Kansas, and Harmon of this city.

Peter Smith was rather of an eccentric character, being somewhat of a recluse 
in his habits.  He was not without a certain quiet pleasure in social 
meetings, but was not demonstrative, and did not seek social opportunity.  He 
attended strictly to his own affairs, and seemed to regard this as the best 
general policy for others.  He was strictly honorable, and was thrifty, being 
sufficiently provided to ensure a supply of his modest wants.  He was a good, 
quiet citizen, apparently well satisfied within himself, and never causing 
trouble to others, so far as known.

Funeral from residence of Eugene Smith, Lafayette street, tomorrow at 2 p.m.; 
services by Rev. E. M. Jeffers.  Remains may be viewed at same place from 10 
to 12.


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