SMITH, Grover Cleveland - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Newtown, June 16— “For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face; now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." (Cor. 13:12.) Grover C. Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Smith, was born near Belmont near Bloomington, Ind., on January 3, 1885. At the age of three years he and a sister were left without a mother, a baby brother preceding him in death. Grover and his sister were lovingly cared for in the home of an aunt, Mrs. Catherine Whisennand, of Indianapolis. In this city he grew to manhood. When just a lad he became interested and engaged actively in church work, serving as usher and in other capacities. When eighteen years of age he united with the Fletcher Place Methodist church in which he had served. He spent several years in North Dakota and from this state he enlisted in the world war, as a member of the 164th infantry. He was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant and gave hard and faithful service in the front lines for several months. After being gassed he was confined to a hospital in France for some time and upon receiving his discharge he returned to his Indiana home and friends locating in Mellott with his father and sister. On March 4th, 1920 he was united in marriage to Miss Oveta Abolt to which union was born one daughter, Martha Jean. During their entire married life they have resided on the farm with Mrs. Smith's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Marion Abolt. On October 1925 he united with the Newtown Baptist church and was baptised by Rev. H. H. Elmore. The pastor and the church found Grover ever ready and willing to serve in any capacity. The beautiful voice which had been given him was used in the service of his Master, and whenever called upon to bring cheer and comfort and make the world richer and happier, he responded. Newtown chapter 282 Order of Eastern Star had last January conferred upon the deceased one of the highest honors that can be given a member, that of Worthy Patron. He was Senior Deacon in the Masonic lodge. He was a member of the Odd Fellows at Hillsboro, of the Red Men and Pocahontas lodges at Mellott and a member of the Veedersburg American Legion Post. In each of these organizations he had been found to be a loyal, faithful member. Grover was much loved by companions in the social circle. One of his most intimate friends and one associated with him in his musical work said: "Grover's going has left a vacant place which cannot be filled." His charming personality, the little mannerisms in his daily contact with people won a place in the hearts of all who knew him. He learned early in life that service is the measure of greatness and he spent his whole life in the service of mankind. His unusually kind and helpful disposition endeared him to relatives and friends and his sudden tragic death which occurred early on June 8th, has brought bereavement to the community in general. There is universal sorrow limited only by the bounds of his acquaintances. Relatives left to mourn his loss are the wife and one daughter, Martha Jean, the father, J. T. Smith, the sister, Mrs. George Bishop, of Mellott, and aunt, Mrs. Catherine Whisennand and family, and a host of friends.  --typed by Walt W

The Passing of Grover Smith

By Enos Bacon:

Hark, there's the sound of a passing bell,

Tolling so sad and slow, Tolling for one we loved so well,

Who's gone from us all below.

Merry his eyes so cheerfully looked,

Merry his laugh rang out,

Now he is gone and will smile no more,

Gone the courageous shout.

Ready, aye always to lend a hand,

To cause so much in need.

Ready always to take a stand,

For right against all greed.

Ever his heart beat with tender throb,

Open his mind for good,

He lived his life in the open day,

And died as a true man should.

Loud toll the bell, aye the passing bell,

Place him beneath the sod.

Living we knew him, dying, tis well,

He's home with his Father, God,

While we are sad he is throned on high.

His joy is now no myth,

Farewell, dear friend, we sob and sigh,

Farewell, to Grover Smith.