Posted on: Green Co. Wi Obituaries Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Wi/GreenObits/464 Surname: SMITH, BOWEN ------------------------- The Albany Vindicator, Albany, Wisconsin, Thursday, June 24, 1924: James Storrs Smith, one of the early day residents of Albany, passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ned Bowen, Brodhead, Wis. On June 1st, 1924. The funeral, held at his daughter's home on June 3rd, was attended by many friends from here. The remains were brought to Albany and laid beside those of his wife, who preceded him in death twenty seven years ago. Mr. Smith was born in Madison Co. N.Y. July 8th, 1833 and came to Albany with his father's family in 1854. Albany then was a village but eight years old, just a little hamlet, a few stores, a cooper shop, a mill, a good river crossing and connected with the outside world by stage. Mr. Smith's father was a blacksmith and the young son learned his father's trade and became an unusually skilled workman in his line. In time he established a business for himself and in 1858 he married Mary J. Hess. To this happy union were born two children, Frank Smith of Madison, S. Dakota and Nellie, now Mrs. Ned Bowen of Brodhead. For over forty years Mr. Smith lived in Albany and took an active part in its business and social life. There were but few men in the community who had so wide a business acquaintance and the story of his life during those years is an important part in the history of Albany. He was the last survivor of a party that went to the gold mines in the early years following the discovery of gold and silver. He spent a year and a half there and endured the dangers and privations that were accompaniments of a sojourn so far from civilization. His stories of that trip, his young manhood adventure, were wonderfully interesting to his friends who were fortunate enough to be favored when he was in a reminiscent mood. Mr. Smith built and occupied the house on Mechanic Street now owned by Forest Smith. There his wife died in 1897 and following her death he made his home with his daughter. It was a source of pride to Albany that Mr. Smith always retained a keen interest in our village. For years, as long as his health permitted he went to the Brodhead depot twice a day to wait for the Albany train that he might greet any frineds from up the line who stopped off or changed cars there. We missed him when he was no longer able to make the train. As the years went by his eyesight failed and gradually that strong body which had withstood over ninety years of winter storms, became but a frail habitation for the loyal spirit which longed to join the companion who passed away so many years ago. He was lovingly cared for by his children and grandchildren and surrounded by every comfort that could be provided. On the beautiful June day, as we stood beside the flower strewn grave in Hillcrest, listening to the solemn words of the Masonic burial service, the brooding robins in the green tree above, signing softly as accompaniment, seemed to be repeating over and over the age-old comforting words, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled," and we feel sure there is a happy reunion now in that "Beautiful Somewhere." Transcriber's note: Bios and obits have been posted for James Storrs Smith's wife, Mary J. Hess, and father, Daniel S. Smith.