OBIT: Jacob F. SMITH, 1917, Altoona, Blair County, PA

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JACOB F. SMITH

  Jacob F. Smith, one of the city's best known Grand Army men, a 
veteran of the Civil war and a former city street commissioner, died at 
6.40 o'clock Saturday morning at the Altoona hospital of inflammation 
of the bowels.  He was taken ill several days ago while at work at his 
shoe shop on Twelfth street and removed to his home, 922 Second avenue.  
His condition becoming worse on Friday he was removed to the hospital 
where he grew gradually worse until he passed away.  Deceased was born 
in Lebanon, March 5, 1842, being a son of William and Savilla Smith, 
deceased.  He was reared in his native town and at the outbreak of the 
Civil war he went to the front, enlisting in Company E, One Hundred and 
Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania infantry for the nine months service.  He 
re-enlisted August 8, 1862, at Harrisburg and was honorably discharged 
May 29, 1863.  He participated in a number of important battles and had 
an excellent war record.  He came to this city some forty-nine years 
ago and had since resided here.
  Mr. Smith was one of the more prominent and active workers in Post 
62, Grand Army of the Republic, always took an active interest in the 
preparations for the annual observance of Memorial Day and also for the 
annual Grand Army day at Lakemont park.  He was the official 
statistician for the posts of this city and for several years was 
honored by being elected one of the state's thirty-eight 
representatives to the national encampment.  
  Mr. Smith served two terms as street commissioner, one in 1890 and 
again in 1893.  Later he served as a foreman for one of the contractors 
in street paving work.  He was a shoemaker by occupation and for a 
number of years had conducted a shop at 608 Twelfth street.  He was 
highly esteemed and respected by all who shared his acquaintance.
  In politics he was a Democrat and was prominently affiliated with the 
party in city and county affairs.  He frequently served as committeeman 
and delegate to conventions, being a conspicuous figure at meetings and 
conferences of local party leaders, where his advice was sought and 
many times followed.  He married in Lebanon almost sixty years ago.  
His wife died in this city.  He is survived by three children, Ella, 
wife of H. B. Curry, of 922 Second avenue, with whom he made his home; 
Jennie, wife of R. C. Musser, of Pittsburg, and Gertrude, wife of John 
Shugar, of Lebanon.  He is also survived by four sisters: Mrs. Alice 
Kuhn, of Los Angeles, Cal.; Mrs. Joseph Downing, of Philadelphia; Mrs. 
Mary Brewer, of Lebanon, and Miss Carrie Price, of Toledo, O., and one 
brother, Solomon, of Oklahoma.  He was an attendant at Trinity Reformed 
church and was a member of Logan lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, the 
Veranda lodge of Odd Fellows and of Post No. 62, G.A.R.  Funeral 
services will be conducted from the late home, 922 Second avenue, 
Tuesday afternoon at 3.30 o'clock, the G.A.R. posts to have charge.  
Interment in Oak Ridge cemetery.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Monday Morning, February 19, 1917

Funeral Notice.

  The funeral of the late Jacob F. Smith, the well known Grand Army 
veteran and former city official, will take place from his late home, 
922 Second avenue, this afternoon, and will be in charge of the Grand 
Army of the Republic posts.  Services will be conducted at 2.30 o'clock 
followed by interment in Fairview cemetery.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Tuesday Morning, February 20, 1917