Death Of Dr. Smith

DEATH OF DR. SMITH

Three Times Mayor of Ann Arbor.

A PROMINENT CITIZEN

Who Left His Impress on the City.

Dr. W. B. Smith Dies of Pneumonia at 6 O'clock Last Evening.-The Funeral Services Will be Held at 3 O'clock Saturday.

The death of Dr. Willard B. Smith, Friday a few minutes before 6 o'clock, was a great shock to the community. He had been suffering from as severe attack of pneumonia, and his physicians gave his friends little hope. During the previous night he had been a little more comfortable so that more hope was again felt for his recovery.

Dr. Smith was born March 7. 1838, in Orleans county,New York. He was the oldest sou of Dr. Ransom S. and Emily B. (Burroughs) Smith. His father was born in Connecticut. The deceased with his parents removed to Ann Arbor in 1858. He lost his mother when two years of age. He prepared for the university in the Ann Arbor high school and graduated from the medical department of the University of Michigan in the class of 1861. He settled down to practice in the city of Ann Arbor where he resided until his death. He was intensely patriotic and in 1862 he was commissioned assistant surgeon for the 1st regiment, Michigan engineers and mechanics and until he was taken ill did valuable service in the army of the Cumberland. Upon recovering his health he was again at the front, and was stationed in front of Petersburg and Fortress Monroe, remaining with the army until he received his honorable discharge. Nov. 14, 1863, he married Sarah F., daughter of Linas North. They had one daughter. Emily L., who survives her parents. Mrs. Smith died May 28, 1897. Oct. 5, 1898, he was again married, his bride being Miss Jennie, daughter of Hon. Marcus H. Phillips Hulberton, Orleans, county New York, who also survives him.

Dr. Smith was an active member of both the medical societies of Washtenaw county and state of Michigan. He was most active in the movement to organize the system of boards of pension examiners making two visits to Washington at his own expense. Upon the organization of the board in this county he was made a member with the position of president until he was relieved during the administration of President Cleveland. Dr. Smith was a very active republican and did his party great service. He was three times elected to the office of mayor. He took great interest in the Ann Arbor schools and for many years was a member of the school board. He also filled many other public offices such as chief of the fire department and at the time of his death he was president of the board of public works. He was connected with many business enterprises. After his father's death he took his place as director of the Ann Arbor Savings Bank. He was a prominent Mason being a member of Fraternity Lodge, No. 262, F. & A. M. , Washtenaw Chapter, No. 6, R. A. M. and No. 13 K. T. and Welch Commandery, G. A. R. He took an active part in all business affairs of the city. He was also largely interested in the building up of Ottumwa, Iowa.

The deceased was one of the men that believed in not letting his left hand know what his right hand was doing. There are many families in this city who have had their necessities relieved by being the recipients of his bounty. While his name never appeared on a subscription paper, he was known in more than one instance to astonish the solicitors, by putting his hand into his pocket and giving a much larger amount in cash than was expected, but always with the injunction, "I do not wish my name to appear, and I do not wish you to mention the matter to anyone." He was really of a very kind nature, although often appearing as rather brusque. Many poor people in this city will miss the quiet help receive in their time of trouble. His death will be keenly felt by a large circle of friends and business associates.