Walker Wallace Smith, son of Bradford and Nancy (Finney)
Smith, was born April 24, 1859 in Scottsboro, Alabama, and departed
this life August 10, 1951, at the age of 92 years, three months
and 19 days. He came with his mother to Golconda at the age of
three, thereafter making his home in Pope County where he died.
He was married to Martha Ann Barger, April 23, 1882. To this union
seven children were born, all living. Namely: Minnie Walters
of Glendale, Ill., Lilly Ragsdale of Decatur, Ill., Elzada Schuchardt
of Glendale, Ill., Perry Smith of Terre Haute, Ind., Virgil Smith
of Valparaiso, Ind., Loyse Morse of Eddyville, Ill., and Essie
Parsons of Decatur, Ill.
The home they entered as bride and groom in Cedar Grove community,
they reared their children, battled the tasks of life, also the
happy events, which were many was the same home where Mrs. Smith
entered into the other life which occurred Feb. 11, 1940. Thereafter
Mr. Smith made his home with the children.
Mr. Smith was converted around the age of 34 and very shortly
was called to the ministry of the Social Brethren Church. Rev.
Smith did his life work as a minister in Pope, Hardin, Johnson
and Saline Counties. For more than fifty-five years he stood
behind the sacred desk, trying to lead men and women to a saving
knowledge of the Christ and Savior. His work was exclusively among
rural churches over rough roads and through bad weather, though
he battled on. There were times his loyal heart was tried but
his faith was in God and he never faltered. He never aspired
great wealth or high position but he was truly the spiritual light
bearer of a large family of Christian people.
Rev. Smith knew very much about the Civil War and could tell of
interesting things that happened between "The North"
and "The South."
It can't be placed in words what a good life means to the world
but surely Rev. Smith example laid out for others.
He had been very fortunate in health to attain such old age, but
suffered his last days in patience, placing his trust in God to
do His will. He leaves to mourn his departure the seven children
previously mentioned. Eleven grandchildren, Eleven great-grandchildren,
several nieces and nephews, besides a host of sorrowing neighbors
and friends.
_copied from Herald-Enterprise, August 23, 1951