Norfolk City Virginia USGenWeb Archives Obituaries.....Smith, Peter April 29, 1927
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Dorothy Strawhand http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00034.html#0008405 June 6, 2024, 5:32 pm

Virginian Pilot and The Norfolk Landmark April 30, 1927

              PETER SMITH, 88, NORFOLK;S OLDEST MERCHANT, DIES

      Passes Away At Freemason Street Home After Several Months Illness

Peter Smith, aged 88, Norfolk's oldest merchant, died yesterday morning at his 
home, 333 West Freemason Street, following an illness that had kept him confined 
in his home since November.
For more than 60 years, Mr. Smith, who was a native of Ireland, had been a 
merchant in this city, dealing principally in dry goods. He was known not only 
in Norfolk, but Eastern Carolinians in days gone by had not completed their 
shopping tour until after they had visited "Peter Smith's."
And he had remained in active charge of his establishment from its beginning 
until just about one year ago when he was forced by ill health into retirement.
Quiet and conservative in his habits, Mr. Smith took a deep interest in civic 
and religious affairs and often participated unostentatiously in charitable 
undertakings.
Born in County Tyrone, Ireland, January 9, 1839, he got his early schooling in 
Ireland, later coming to Norfolk at the age of 12 and completing his studies in 
the Norfolk schools. In his youth he was associated with his brother, James, in 
business on Church Street. His brother later went into business alone in an 
establishment known as the Beehive.
Later, Peter Smith, having dissolved partnership with James Smith, opened a 
store alone, this, too, located on Church Street, which then was the center of 
the shopping district. Some time after this he moved to the store located on the 
site of the present Talbot Building. Fifty-one years ago the establishment was 
moved to its present address, 416 East Main Street, where it flourished, being 
for many years the chief dry goods store of the city.
For more than 50 years the family resided at 333 West Freemason Street, his home 
at the time of his death.
Solemn high mass will be sung Monday morning at 10 o'clock by the Rev. Arthur 
Taylor, assistant pastor of St. Mary's Church, in which parish he was married 
and where his children were christened. Burial will follow in St. Mary's 
Cemetery.
Mr. Smith's wife, formerly Miss Maria Franco, died in 1913. He leaves three 
daughters, Miss Mary M. Smith, Miss Rosa E. Smith and Miss Constance A. Smith; 
four sons, Clarence J. Smith, Ernest B. Smith, E. Vincent Smith and Antonio J. 
Smith, all of Norfolk; and two grandchildren, Miss Dorothy Maria Smith and 
Xavier Martin Smith, of Los Angeles, daughter and son of the late Peter X. 
Smith.
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Peter Smith - Funeral services for Mr. Smith, whose death occurred Friday 
morning at 5:30 o’clock at the residence, 333 West Freemason street, will be 
conducted tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial 
will be private in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Virginian-Pilot and The Norfolk Landmark May 1, 1927

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