After an illness of considerable duration and which was the result of diabetes, Joseph W. Smith, aged 52 years, 10 months and 12 days, died at 5:30 a.m. on last Wednesday, June 24, 1925, at his home in Shimer-tp., this county. Mr. Smith, although in a rather weakened condition, was able to be about some, even on Monday, but that evening he complained of feeling worse, and soon lapsed into unconsciousness.Mr. Smith was a native of England, having been born in Needingworth, that country on August 12, 1872. When he was about 16 years of age he came to America, and for a few years lived in Iowa, coming from there to this county about 35 years ago. He showed much interest in livestock and, for some time, worked on ranches, principally for Alfred Hall. Later he engaged in the ranch and livestock business for himself and soon built up a fine herd of Hereford cattle, which were kept on the ranch in Shimer-tp., about 20 miles southeast of this city. He was persevering and industrious, and took much pride in his ranch and livestock. A few years ago his health began to fail, and from that time he was never very well again, although he continued to look after his business affairs and to oversee the work at his ranch. The end came rather unexpectedly early Wednesday morning.
On February 21, 1900, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Lease, who, with two daughters, Audrey and Jean, survives him. A brother and a sister, who live in England, also survive him. There is nobody in Comanche-co. who knew Joe Smith, who will not testify to his honesty and uprightness of character. He was devoted to his family and was a good neighbor and a true friend. To the bereaved relatives, the sincere sympathy of all goes out in this their hour of deep affliction.
Funeral services will be conducted from the Christian church in this city at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, and will be in charge of Rev. J. T. Wheeler, of Alva, Okla., a former pastor here, Rev. E. H. Murray, the present pastor, assisting. Burial will be made in Crown Hill cemetery.
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