----Source: Republican & Press, July 27, 1905

LAST NAME: Smithers

FIRST NAME: William

NEWSPAPER LOCATION: Neillsville, Wisconsin

STATE: Wisconsin

TRANSCRIBED TEXT:

William H. Smithers, whose death was briefly mentioned last week had attained the age of 83 years, 3 months, and 3 days. His funeral took place Wednesday, July 19, at the residence on account of Mrs. Smithers who is an invalid and was not able to go to the church. Rev. Hill of Loyal officiated. Deceased was born April 14, 1822 in Yorkshire, England and in 1837 came with his parents to America settling in St. Lawrence County, New York, remained there eight years. In August 1844, he was married to Miss Lois A. Knight and moved to Bristol, Kenosha County, this state in the spring of 1845. There they resided one year. In 1846, they moved to Alto, Fond du Lac County where they resided until October 1880 when they moved to Spencer, Clay County, Iowa residing there until March 1885, he then came to Clark County and purchased a farm in the Town of York where he resided up to the time of his death. During his residence in the Town of Alto, he held the office of town clerk for 11 years, was assessor 2 years, and treasurer 2 years and served his town 1 year as supervisor. Mr. Smithers has been a sufferer from cancers (which caused his death) for about 9 years, going twice to Spencer, Iowa, for treatment, was always up and around until six weeks ago when he was confined to his bed. He bore his suffering very patiently, was thoughtful of others, causing as little trouble as possible, was very fond of children, a good husband and father and a kind neighbor, always possessed a strong will and ambition. During his confinement, nothing was dearer to him than the Bible and when the final summons came he was prepared to meet the God he loved and trusted. He was the father of 10 children, 4 having preceded him in death and those who are left to mourn are his invalid wife and six daughters, who were all at his bedside at his death. They are Emily S. Smithers, Mrs. Edna M. Lawrence, Mrs. Maggie D. Hales and Mrs. Lois A. Fulwiler of this place, Mrs. Ella M. Stiles of Tracy, Minnesota, and Mrs. Dora S. Rowe of Neillsville. He had been a member of the M.E. Church for 45 years and his remains were laid to rest in the cemetery here.