Jacksonville Daily Journal, Tuesday Morning, August 10, 1915
Stephen S. Smith was born at Exeter, Ill., on the 25th day of May, 1838, and passed from this life, Saturday, Aug. 7, 1915, at the age of 77 years, 2 months and 11 days.
Mr. Smith served his country in the civil war about four years. During this time he was in Libby prison thirteen months.
After an honorable discharge he came back to Exeter, his birthplace and married Miss Louisa Mitchell, Oct. 1, 1867. Six children were born to this union, namely Florence Bell, Henry Otto, Nora Dovey, William, Kathryn and Daniel H. Two of these children have preceded their father in death, Mrs. Florence Withee and Mrs. Dovey Wolford. Besides the wife and four children there are fourteen grandchildren and one great grandchild that survive him.
Mr. Smith came to this community from Exeter about thirty-six years ago, where he has lived ever since. He was well known and highly respected as a citizen and neighbor. He united with the Christian church in Chapin, during a meeting which was held by E. H. Kellar and W. H. Cannon about twenty years ago.
Brother Smith on account of his affliction had not been able to attend church for a number of years.
His affliction has been for a period of nearly four years and for almost two years has been unable to walk. His good wife, children and grandchildren were ever faithful in caring for him during his long illness. Many of the neighbors have cause to remember Uncle Steve's words and works of helpfulness in years gone by.
We can truly say that a good man has gone to his reward and will be sorely missed by his relatives and friends.
the funeral services were held at his late home two and one-half miles south west of Chapin Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. C. D. Houghman of Normal, a former pastor and Rev. L. Hadeway, present pastor of Chapin Christian church conducted services. Interment was made in Gillham cemetery. A large number of friends and neighbors were present to pay their last respects to Mr. Smith and to sympathize with loved ones.
The funeral was in charge of undertaker H. D. Kilpatrick of Bluffs. The flowers were many and beautiful and were cared for by Mrs. W. Dodd of Franklin, Miss Bernice Wolford of Bluffs and Miss Florence Smith, all grand children of Mr. Smith. The music consisted of two beautiful solos by Miss Edna Hutches with Miss Ruth Hutches as accompanist. The bearers were R. B. Wallace, John Hamilton, Nimrod Funk, Thomas Paschall, W. B. Markham, C. C. Bridgman and Mr. Williamson and S. C. Taylor.