Carmi R. Smith
May 19, 1862-July 17, 1939
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Monday, July 17, 1939, page 1, col. 4-5, continued page 2, col. 4
CARMI R. SMITH, CIVIC LEADER, IS DEAD
Death Ends Long Career in Niles Industrial and Political Circles
Came to Niles in 1886 and Has Been Identified Closing With Life of City for 53 Years
Carmi R. Smith, industrial, civic and church leader in Niles for more than half a century, died suddenly in his home, 603 East Main street, this morning. His body was found in the bathroom by members of his household about two hours after death struck.
The message was received in stunned silence today by a city which owes much of its progress to the efforts and activity of the man who has lived and worked in Niles since 1886.
Mr. Smith had been in his customary good health Sunday, felt well when he retired and probably suffered a sudden attack when he arose this morning.
Nearly 53 years of his life had been devoted to his business career in Niles. His broadening sphere of usefulness extended gradually to the Methodist church, to civic duties and to welfare projects.
Leading Republican
A staunch Republican all his life, he was chairman of the city committee for 10 years. He was elected mayor in 1903, resigning to accept the postmastership which he held until 1912, when he was again elected mayor.
In 1897-98 he was a member of the lower house of the state legislature and in 1924 was a state delegate to the national convention which nominated Calvin Coolidge for president.
Mr. Smith comes of a long line of Michigan pioneers. He was born in Girard township, Branch county, May 19, 1862. His grandfather was John R. Reddick, one of Michigan's famous pioneers. His father was one of the pioneer settlers of Branch county.
Came to Niles in 1886
He received his early education in Branch county, graduated from Coldwater high school in 1882 and from Albion college in 1886.
Mr. Smith started his business career in Niles in 1886 by supplying
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material to different paper mills until 1907 when he went into the real estate business.
In 1914, her and his brother, Ben, organized the Michigan Wire Goods company which is still a leading Niles industry.
1N 1890 he was married to Miss Mary E. Stafford who survives. He also leaves two sons, Stafford, an New York attorney, and Reginald, of Albion; two brothers, Ben H., Niles and Mark H. Smith, East Lansing; and a sister, Mable Blerry, East Lansing.
Although he retired from active business life, he still retained a deep interest in the affairs of the city, the church and the clubs and lodges of which he was a member.
Active In Red Cross
He resigned as chairman of the Berrien County Red Cross chapter in 1935 after 10 years of active service. However, he retained his association with the chapter and attended all the meetings.
His death came on the week of the Niles Old timers' Reunion. The Thursday event was one to which he looked forward eagerly as an assembly of persons with whom he had been associated for many years. Mr. Smith was treasurer of the association and a member of the executive committee.
Other affiliations were the Rotary club, Masonic lodge, Knights of Pythias, Elks and the Sigma Chi, Albion chapter of which he was a member for more than 50 years. Funeral arrangements have been delayed awaiting word from his son in New York City.