Clearfield County PA Archives - Obituaries: Smeal, Larry Z., 01 Dec 1933 Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Eileen Jenkins, , Sep 2010 Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/ ________________________________________________ CLEARFIELD PROGRESS, Clearfield, PA, December 8, 1933 LARRY Z. SMEAL Larry Zeno Smeal, whose death occurred at his farm home in Pike Township, December 1, 1933, was the son of the late Samuel A. and Julia son of the late Samuel A. and Julia Smeal. He was born in Pike Township July 9th, 1881, and was aged 52 years, 4 months and 22 days. His boyhood was spent in Pike Township where he attended and passed the grade schools of that day, subsequently engaging in teaching school. After teaching some years he felt the need of higher education and became a student at the Lock Haven Normal School, graduating in the class of 1908. After graduation he became principal of DuBois schools where his work gave complete satisfaction, his personality winning for him many friends. After spending about 15 years in the teaching profession he claimed as his bride, Miss Blanche Verbeck of Frenchville and purchased a farm in Pike Township and entered upon the life of a farmer. Using the knowledge which he possessed, together with characteristics inherited from his forebears, he became both a successful farmer and staunch citizen of the township, holding important township offices and taking a keen interest in rural civic life. In his early manhood he united with the Centre Methodist Episcopal Church and after the organization of the Pleasant Grove Church transferred his membership to this congregation where he loyally supported the work. As an indication of his Christian generosity it is noted, that having no children of his own he took two orphan lads into his home and became a real father to them, and with the help of his good wife, brought them to young manhood well trained in Christian principles. Sons of which any father might well be proud. These two foster sons, Blair Way and Clair Shillip, together with his wife, survive to morn his passing. Also the following brothers and sisters: Thomas of Lawrence Township; Albert of Pike Township; Mrs. Alice Gruver of DuBois, and Miss Margaret who makes her home with her brother Albert. Funeral services were held at the late home on Monday, December 4, 1933, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, in charge of his pastor Rev. Garland C. Patterson, assisted by Rev. E. Roy Hauser, a close personal friend of the family. Susquehanna Grange, of which Mr. Smeal was a member, conducted last rites at the grave, after which his body was laid to rest in Centre Cemetery.