Merrick Luther Smith's Obituary

Going through the stacks of documents I received from my parents house, I found my great grandfather's obituary.  He died on October 3rd, 1934. Here is a transcription:

Housatonic
M.L. SMITH, 78, DIES AFTER LONG ILLNESS

Native of Tyingham Had Lived in Housatonic for 31 Years

HOUSATONIC, Oct 4.-- Merrick L. SMith, 78, well known papermaker, died at the House of Mercy Hospital in Pittsfield yesterday afternoon after a long illness. Born in Tyringham June 6, 1856, son of Edward and Lydia Kilbourne Smith he had resided in this town 31 years.

The funeral will be held tommorrw afternoon at 2 P.M., in ht Methodist Church with the Rev. Purdy Halstead, assisted by Rev. Edward G. Wahl of Goshen, former pastor here, officiating. Burial will be in Fairmont Cemetery, Lee.

Mr. Smith followed the papermaking trade all his life until he retired from active work bout two years ago. He worked at his trade in West Springfield, Lee, and came to Rising Paper Company formally known as the B.D. Rising Company soon after the firm started business in Risingdale. He was for years foreman of the finishing department and was known far and wide for his knowledge of finishing paper products.

While in the employ of the old Rising concern, working for his employer ad those who labored under his orders, he invented a lift which relieved those handling paper rolls of considerable weight. This type of lift, with added features, continues to be used in many paper plants.

Mr. Smith was also engaged in the grocery business with his brother Grove, under the firm name of M.L. Smith & Co. in Risingdale for years, until the business was purchased by Watson Brothers. With Mrs. Smith he conducted the Rising Boarding House. He was also interested in clubs and aided in the organization and served as head of both the old Risingdale Men's and Boy's Clubs. in addition to considerable work in the interest of the Y.M.C.A. when the unit was actively at work in Southern Berkshire.

Active in Church
He was an active member of the Housatonic Methodist Episcopal Church and hled various offices in the church. He helped organize and serve as the first president of the present Methodist Men's Club and through this organization brought back the popular pastime of barnyard golf into this section. After his retirement he built two ranges for this game at his property in Risingdale and opened it for the use of the public. He was also a member of the Cinsinnatus Lodge of Masons.

Last fall Mr. and Mrs. Smith went to Northampton to spend the winter with relatives and while there Mr. Smith suffered a shock. He underwent two operations and recovered sufficiently to return to his Risingdale home early in the spring. He got around the home in a wheel chair. Another operation was deemed necessary more then a week ago. He was taken to the House of Mercy Hospital in Pittsfield and the operation was performed on Friday after which his condition was serious and death came about 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon.

Besides his wife, Mr. Smith leaves two daughters, Mrs. Florence Wright, wife of David Wright, the well known athletic director at Northampton High School, and Mrs. Estelle Bradbury, wife of Henry V. Bradbury of Dalton; a sister, Mrs. Lucy Strong of Boston.