SMITH, William Lambert - Putnam

William Lambert Smith, a prominent and highly respected farmer, who resided near Lapland, died Friday afternoon, aged nearly fifty-nine years, of stomach trouble and heart failure. During the past summer his health has gradually failed and he has become weaker and weaker until death relieved him. He was twice married, having been united in marriage with daughters of Thompson Davis, Eliza A. Davis, the first was the mother of five children. One girl, who is now dead, and four sons. The latter are all living and reside either in this or Boone counties with one exception. Wallace Smith lives in Seattle, John Smith, Abner Smith, and Oscar Smith are the other children of the first marriage. His second wife was Jessie M. Davis and to them four sons were born. All of these and both wives died some years ago and since that time Mr. Smith has resided with his children. In politics Mr. Smith was what may be called an independant voter as he voted for the man rather than the party. He was an exemplary citizen and had hosts of friends. He was an active member of the G. A. R. post at Parkersburg, a member of the Christian church at the same place and a member of Montgomery lodge of Masons in this city. His funeral will occur at the home near Lapland Sunday morning at 10 o'clock, Rev. Mr. Burton, of Roachdale, officiating. The Masons of this city will have charge of the burial services. Internment at the Masonic Cemetery.

(note: Some non-genealogists came up with the (dumb) idea to change the Masonic Cemetery on Grant/Washington Street to Oak Hill Cemetery, Grant Avenue so that is the current 2015 name for where they are buried, Crawfordsville, Indiana - kbz)

William Lambert Smith was born in Putnam county, Ind., March 12, 1847, died at his home in Montgomery county, Ind., on December 29, 1905, age 58 years, 9 months, and 17 days. He was the first born of a family of thirteen children. He was twice married. The first time to Elizabeth A. Davis, of Montgomery county, Ind., on June 24, 1875. To them were born four sons, John, Wallace, Charley and Oscar, and one daughter, Maggie, who died September 28, 1892. His first wife died on May 1, 1883. He was again married to Jessie M. Davis, a sister of his former wife, on September 13, 1883. To this last union was born four sons, William Marl, George Pearl, Carl DeWitt, and Francis Paul, all of whom have gone before. Death again visited his home on July 24, 1894, and took away his second wife. When but eighteen years of age he enlisted in the Union army and thus offered his services to his country in her time of extreme peril. He was a faithful member of the Christian church for many years, and greatly enjoyed the service of love which his Master's cause required of him. He was a useful member of the Grand Army of the Republic and a member of the Masonic Order. He was a good citizen, a kind neighbor, and a steadfast friend whose influence will be greatly missed by those who knew him and were associated with him. He leaves one brother, two half brothers, One sister, four half sisters, four sons, three grandsons and a large circle of friends to mourn his departure. http://ingenweb.org/inmontgomery/ Wm.; Eliza; Jessie; Maggie; George; Wm.; Karl & Frances Paul all on same stone - Masonic Cemetery, Grant Avenue (now called Oak Hill Grant Avenue) Crawfordsville IN   --- kbz