Smedley - Leonidas E. - Putnam

The funeral services of LE Smedley, deceased, were largely attended, on last Sunday afternoon and the citizens of this and other portions of the state vied in doing honor to his memory. The services at the church by Rev. Morris and Hurlstone and the beautiful and touching ritual of the Knights Templar, also rendered there were impressive.  At the cemetery the burial services by Temple Lodge F&AM and Eagle Lodge, KP were performed and the remains were committed to the earth. The church was tastefully draped with mourning and flowers were banked about the pulpit most profusely while above the casket was suspended a pure white dove. Among those from abroad who attended the funeral were WH Smythe, GR; DT Bacon and SB Sweet, PGC; JW Smith, GT; Robert Perry, G Sen; and Sir Knight Dobbins of Indianapolis; WJ Hindman GJW, Vincennes; CB Steman, Grand Prelate, Ft. Wayne; JH Nicholson, GW, Richmond and Sir Knights Turner and Smith of Brazil.

Leonidas E. Smedley died at his late residence in this city on Friday June 10, 1892 after a long sickness and much suffering patiently borne. So passeth away in the flower of his youth our friend and brother; one whom to know was to honor; one whose time and talents were conscientiously used to upbuild and better humanity. He has earned his reward – his works do live after him. In his last hours he was surrounded by sorrowing relatives and friends who had watched with stricken hearts the passing away of one loved and honored not only by them but also by all who knew him. Deceased was 35 years of age and was a native of this city; he was a graduate of DePauw University receiving his diploma in 1877.  After graduation he became a teacher and later he was elected Superintendent of Schools for  Putnam County an office which he held for four terms, and filled it with honor to himself; he also enhanced the efficiency of the work done in the public schools and raised the standard of scholarship. For many years Mr. Smedley had been prominent in Masonic Circles having served as Master of Applegate Lodge at Fillmore; as Eminent Commander of Greencastle Commandery, Knights Templar and as a Grand Officer of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templer of Indiana. He was also an active member of Knights of Pythias and evinced great interest in this order. Deceased leaves a wife and two sons to mourn the loss of a loving husband and devoted father; his father, brother and sisters also survive him.