Smith, Harry Louis 1873-1964

SMITH, MIDDLETON, WEBSTER, DOWLING

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/20/2015 at 21:33:24

Note: His mother's maiden name was Middleton.

RITES ARE HELD LAST THURSDAY FOR H. L. SMITH

Pioneer Akron Printer Spent Most Of Life In This Community

The passing of one of Akron's oldest, highly esteemed and longtime citizens, Harry L. Smith, on Monday, May 11, was briefly noted in these columns last week. After being in failing health since January of airments incident to advanced years, he passed into peaceful sleep at the Akron Hospital at the age of 90 years, 7 months, and 6 days.

Harry Louis Smith, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John A. and Anna M. Smith, was bornOctober 5, 1873, in Spirit Lake, Iowa, and spent his early boyhood there. He began apprenticeship in printing there in the office of his father, the first editor and publisher of the Spirit Lake Beacon. In 1888 he moved to Sioux City iwth his parents' family, his father taking a position as city editor of the Sioux City Journal published by his friend, Geo. D. Perkins. harry at once went to work at the printing trade in the city, and when his father later established a small suburan weekly newspaper. The Gazette, on the city's west side, he became its foreman; however, this venture; however, this venture succumbed to the depression ofthe early 90's.

In August, 1896, John A. Smith and his three sons, Harry, Ray, and Allan, formed a partnership in establishing a new newspaper in Akron--The Tribune. John A. and son, Ray were in active charge of the publication, but upon the death of the former a little over a year later, Harry and Allan came from Sioux City and joined their brother in publishing the paper. This partnership continued until 1901, when the Tribune was consolidated with the other local paper, the Register, and its publisher, B. F. Round, became a partner in the newly organized Register-Tribune. Harry and Allan sold their interest in the paper and returned to the city to work at their profession. Later on Harry returned to Akron and for many years served efficiently, devotedly and faithfull as forman and printer in the office of the Register-Tribune. His genial personality gained for him a host of friends, among whom his memory will long be cherished.

In 1897, Harry L. Smith and Miss Jessie L. Webster were married in Akron, and one daughter, Hazel, and two sons, Raymond A. and Harold, were born to them. Only the daughter, Mrs. Hazel Johnson, survives.

Harry was well known in this area as a musician, as for many orchestra and provided music for many public occasions and dances.

On April 4, 1927, Harry L. Smith and Lucrieca Dowling were united in marriage in Elk Point, S. D., and since then have lived in Akron, except for about a year's residence in Vallejo, Calif. One son was born to them, James L., now of Vallejo.

Left to mourn his departure are his devoted wife, Lucrieca; a son, James L., of Valejo, Calif., a daughter, Mrs. Hazel Johns, of Phoenix, ariz.; a step-son, Hugh Dowling, of Akron; a step-daughter, Mrs. Viola (Wayne) Ord of Blackfoot, Idaho; a brother, Ray A., of Akron; four grandchildren, and two nephews, Gerald F. Smith, of Akron, and Allan T. Smith, of Culbertson, Nebr.

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at the Berkemier-Rossow funeral home. Rev. Jere' Wells, pastor of the First Church of Christ, conducted the services and the burial rites in Riverside Cemetery. Marvin Klemme was vocalist and Mrs. Marvin Klemme was accompanist. Casket bearers wee james Klauer, Harry B. Nelson, R. D. Clark, Ed Hartmann, Ted Willer and Lyle Jacobs.

Relatives and friends coming from a distance to attend the services were: Mrs. Wayne (Viola) Ord., of Blackfoot, Idaho; Mr. and Mrs. Perry james, Mrs. Matilda James, of Onawa, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Heisler, of Blencoe, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd James, of Omaha; mr. and Mrs. Irving Sherman, Mrs. Claude Sammons and daughter, of Sioux City.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, May 21, 1964
Akron, Iowa