Harvey Troxell Smith

The Clearfield Progress,  Clearfield, Pa.,
Wednesday Evening, October 15, 1919, Page 4

On Friday morning Harvey T. Smith, a life long resident of Curwensville passed away at his residence on McNaul street, after an illness covering a period of over a year, although he had only been confined to his bed for two days prior to his demise. Harvey T. Smith was the youngest son of John J. and Nancy J. Smith, and was one of a family of fifteen children, all of whom are now dead. He was born in Pike township, on April 28th, 1843, hence was aged 76 years, 5 months and 12 days. His education was a crude one and confined to the elementary rules taught in the schools of the early day. He attended school at what was known until a few years ago as the "Oakland School House" not far from the Bloom bridge. He remained with his parents helping them with the farm work until the civil war broke out. During the first four years of the war he tried to enter the military service but was refused, but finally on March 8th 1865, he passed the required physical examination and became a member of the famous Co. B. 149th Pena. volunteer infantry, or "Bucktails" as they were known. He joined the regiment when it was stationed at Elmira, N.Y., guarding Confederate prisoners, and remained with his company until the regiment was mustered out of the service in July 1865. After his return from the army he followed lumbering until his crippled condition from rheumatism would not permit his following that line of work any longer, and shortly afterward he moved into the borough where he has resided since. On December 5th he was reunited in marriage to Miss Annie Gensler, a daughter of George and Nancy J. Gensler. To this union were born seven children: Percy E., Clarence B., Oliver F., Katherine, (who died at the ate of thirteen), Eugee F., (who was accidently killed on the Roaring Run Railroad at the age of twenty-one years), Alice I., the wife of Fred McKenzie and Harvey Smith Jr.

Seventeen years Mr. Smith served this borough as street commissioner, and for fifteen years was high constable and a member of the board of health. He also served the county as jury commissioner, and made a most efficient officer in that capacity as well as other offices with the Republican party ever since he became a voter, and has been all of his life a very active and useful citizen. For many years he has been connected with the Odd Fellow lodge of this place, being one of the oldest Past Grands of that order. He was also connected with the encampment at Clearfield and the Red Men and G. A. R. of this place. His funeral will be held from his late home on Tuesday afternoon at 1:15 o'clock. Bethesda lodge will have etire charge of the services. Interment will be made in the family plot in Oak Hill cemetery .

Another civil war veteran has answered the last bugle call and entered upon the last march from which no traveler ever returns. Mr. Smith was also a devoted member of the Presbyterian church, and very rarly, when he was able so to do, missed a Sunday service. Harvey T. Smith will be missed by his immediate family and relatives as he will be by the people of this community who have known him for years.