SMITHSHIRE.

Smithshire was platted by C. A, Sias, June 23, 1888, on the southwest quarter of section 6. B. B. Purcell was the owner. The town had twenty blocks, with Madison, State, Gale, and May streets running north and south; and Division, Birdsall, and Chicago streets running east and west.

The postoffice at Smithshire was established in March, 1888, with William J. Deator as postmaster. Charles R. Barnett succeeded him in October, 1899; Henry Brown, took the office in September, 1893, and the present incumbent, James I. Sawvel, has been serving since October, 1897. One rural route runs from this office with Mr. Yeomans as carrier.

The Smithshire bank was organized in March, 1894, and began business June 18 of that year. It is a private institution and owns the neat little brick building which it occupies. Dr. L. L. Tinsman is president; John Birdsall, vice president; and James Milligan. cashier. The bank has capital and surplus amounting to $14,100, and deposits of $100,000.

The Smithshire band was organized May 30, 1900. It has 15 players, and Prof. A. S. Failis leader and A. A. Firkins manager.

Smithshire has two secret insurance lodges, the Fraternal Army and the Modern Woodmen. Lawton Post No. 101, Fraternal Army, was organized March 7, 1900, with 11 members. C. J. Passage was captain; Jennie Downs, lieuten­ ant; and B. F, Cozatt. adjutant. There are now 14 members, and Jatnes Crawford is captain, Mrs. Etta Passage, lieutenant: and Grace Dalton, adjutant.

Camp No. 1168, Modern Woodmen of America, was organized October 1, 1S89, with about 14 members. A. H. Silshee was venerable consul; G. N. Brazelton, worthy adviser; W. D. Lofftus, banker; and L. T. Birdsall, clerk. The present membership is 54, and J. F. Downs is venerable consul; W. F. Crookham, worthy adviser; C. J. Passage, hanker; and F. Painter, clerk.

The Women's Christian Temperance Union was organized by Miss Mary Mahon July 15, 1891. Mrs. W. L. Edwards is president; Mrs. John Hodgson, vice president; Mrs. Charles Holmes, treasurer; Mrs. A. Edwards, secre­ tary

 

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