James DeForest Smith

(Dec. 23, 1926)

   Oxford, Oct. 29.-The death of James DeForest Smith, one of the best known citizens of Oxford and a Civil War veteran, whose home has been near the village for many years, occurred on Saturday evening, October 23, about 5:15 o'clock, when with the sinking sun he passed from his earthly to his heavenly home.

   Mr. Smith was the son of James Wheeler and Lucretia Lyons Smith, who were pioneer settlers in Ulysses, Potter county, Pa., and it was here on November 26, 1843, that he was born in a log cabin that his parents had erected.  When a lad of 12 years, the family moved to Bainbridge, where he was educated in the school of that village.

   During the summer of 1862, at the age of 19 years, he enlisted with Company M., 127th Regiment New York Volunteers, later entering in February, 1863, the 89th National Guard of the 168th New York Volunteers, serving nine months and being mustered out at Newburgh.

   He returned to this locality and for several years taught school in this town, and here met Miss Lucina Maine to whom he was united in marriage on September 23, 1868, and to this union one son, Byron L., was born.  They lived in Bainbridge and Guilford for several years, and in 1880 the family came to this village to reside, where Mrs. Smith died on January 10, 1899.  On November 22, 1899, he married Miss Cora Cone of South Oxford, and they have always lived here.

   For a number of years he was clerk in the store of C. O. Willcox and also the store of F. H. Perkins.  Upon retiring from active business he engaged in farming, which occupation he continued until the end of life.  He served the town as a collector for one term.  He was a member of the G. A. R. organization of this village, and for years was chaplain.  He was also a member of the Hook and Ladder company.

   He united with the First Baptist church on September 5, 1879, and those who knew him recognized a man of sterling Christian character.  In various way he served the church, being elected a deacon on April 27, 1882, in which position he served for 42 years, when he united with the Gospel Service.

   Such is the brief record of a noble life, measured not by length of days, but by generous, kindly deeds, by Christian charities and untiring devotion in his Master's work.  His life was one long epistle of benevolence, hospitality, Christian charity, kindness and love, read and known not only in this community, but felt by all with whom he came in contact wherever his presence was seen and in all the walks of life.  A constant, reliable friend to all and ever ready to reach out the helping hand for all.  A life such as his, crowned with all loveliness, is its own highest praise.  His loss will be especially felt in the Gospel Service Society, where he had been an active and efficient member and to which he has always been an element of strength and efficiency.  In his going, the community suffers the loss of a real Christian man, a loyal citizen and an ever sympathetic friend.

   He is survived by his wife and son, Byron L. Smith, and a little granddaughter, Mary Onley Smith of Ramsey, N. J.

   The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. C. A. Winters, pastor of the Gospel Service Society, on Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock at the late home.  Burial was made in Riverview cemetery.