Smith - Reuben - 1899
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 17 March 1899 p3
Last Tuesday about half past eleven o'clock a.m. Reuben Smith died at his home on East College street after an illkness of several weeks. The funeral occurred on Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the First Bpatist Church, Rev. Dr. Runyan officiating.
Reuben Smith was born in Philadelphia Jan 29, 1823 an din the stat eof Pennsylvania grew to manhood, learning the wagon makers' trade. On March 11, 1847, he married Miss Francis A. Holland, who survives him with one son, Adorniam Smith of Perioia, Ill. A second son, George diesd several y ears ago. Mr. and Mrs. Smith came to Crawfordsville in 1856 and estatblished a wagon factory here, his partner in the business being John Griffin., Their shop occupied the present site of Dr. Whitenack's residence and the blacksmith shop pertaining to it stood where Wm. Martin's residence now stands. later Mr. Griffin retired from the business and Mr. Smith continued it alone until his death. His shop stands opposite the Robbins House and has been used as a voting place for years. Mr. Smith was one of the most respected and honored of our citizens. He had been a member of the Baptist Church since early life and was one of the substantial working members of the denomination here. He had been an Odd Fellow for 35 years and stood high in the councils of the order. He was a good citizen in all tha tterm implies and his death will be sincerely mourned in all circles where he was known. - kbz