Smith - WIlliam P - 1911
Source: Waveland Independent July 28, 1911
William P. Smith died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Jackson Hallett, near Bluff Mills, July 21, Friday, from typhoid fever. Funeral services were conducted at the M.E. Church in Alamo by Rev. Isaiah Whitman on Sundy afternoon. The following obituary is contributed
William P. Smith, son of Reuben and Mary Ann (Helm) Smith was born in Burlington, Iowa, August 4, 1837 and when quite a small boy came with his parents to this state and settled at Rockville. There he lived until manhood. in 1860, he married Mary Jane Hallet of Bluff Mills, and to them were born 6 children; of which 5 survive. Charles died when he was 8. When Lincoln asked for volunteers he enlisted in the 31st I.U.i. from Parke County and served until peace was declared; on account of his loved ones at home, he did not wait until he was discharged, but made haste for home. Therefore he never received soldier's benefits. On returning he settled down at Deer's Mill with his family and was a most devoted, never tiring father in taking care of his children. He was sacrificing to a degree, even-tempered, always kind and interested in the welfare of his neighbors and friends, and ever ready to spread a kind word or do a kind deed. Besides his children; Wallace of Clinton, Howard of Mecca, John of this place (Alamo) Isaac of Indianapolis, and Mrs. Ernest Walton, of Kokomo, he leaves 23 grandchildren, one brother, Joe Smith, a sister, Mrs. Jackson Hallett, and many other close relatives and friends. his plain good life leaves its impression that will aid in making the world grow better. - typed by kbz