Dillwyn Smith 1870-1893

SMITH

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 7/5/2018 at 09:32:04

2 February 1893 - West Branch Times

This community was shocked and the sympathy of surrounding neighbors was aroused last Tuesday by the terrible accident that occurred early in the forenoon at Wm. Hall's place three miles east of town, where Port Scellars and J. Stratton were sawing wood. Dilwin Smith, the unfortunate man was assisting in handling the wood as it came from the saw. They were just starting up, some of the horses were a little fractious and the saw was running at a high rate of speed, in order to help check the motion Scellers and Smith were feeding a good sized stick, when the saw burst, the pieces flying in all directions. No one happened to get struck but Dilwin, his right arm was almost severed above the elbow, the flesh and a portion of three ribs were torn from his side making a large hole in his chest that exposed his lungs and liver, which were also lacerated. He was immediately carried into the house and a messenger dispatched at once for medical aid. Doctors Leech and Bailey were both very soon at the scene. His injuries were pronounced fatal and but little could be done except to make the sufferer as comfortable as possible to the end, which came shortly before 8 p.m. He was past 22 years of age, and the second son of Joel and Deborah Smith who live 2 1/2 miles southwest of town, besides the bereaved parents he leaves a brother and two sisters to mourn the untimely loss of an affectionate son and brother.

The funeral will take place in the Friends meeting house on Second street at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow (Friday).

9 February 1893 - West Branch Times

In the last issue was recorded the sad accident which resulted in the untimely death of Dillwyn R. Smith, second son of Joel J. and Deborah A. Smith. In the prime of life, strong, ambitious and with bright hopes for the future, this kind and affectionate son and brother was called from works to rewards. The funeral services were held in the Friends meeting house on 2nd street at 2 P.M. Friday.

The deceased was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, on June 30th, 1870, moved with his parents to Cedar Co., Iowa, in 1882. Graduated from the Springdale High School in 1889. He was a young man of rare promise for future usefulness, standing firm for the principle of right. A faithful Sabbath school scholar, studying and reading the scriptures diligently, a record found in his bible showed that only eleven days before his death he finished reading the entire book. He was indeed a bright light in the household, that is now rendered very lonely.

His quiet, genial nature won the respect of all who knew him. Although a man of few words, he was a thoughtful sincere person as is shown by the last few hours of his short but useful life. He was perfectly resigned. When he asked if he could get well and his faithful physician told him that his recovery was impossible, he replied in this usual quiet way "It is all right". At another time he said "Its all for the best". His last words most beautiful of all were these "God thy will be done." What perfect submission, what consolation to the grief stricken family. His death is a sad reminder of the uncertainty of time. Only the day before he and his only brother were busy with preparations to go west, having entered into a business partnership and now
His cheerful way no more they'll know
His loving smiles no more they'll see
His pure white soul more white than snow
Is blooming in eternity.