MYERS, Smith E. - b. November 8, 1827 - d. March 1899

[ddurbin]

(from THE MOLINE REVIEW  March 10, 1899)

Smith E. Myers was born at Oswego, N. Y.,  November 8, 1827.  He was married to Emma J. Merrill in 1859.  There were born to this union five children, three of whom, Mrs. Lillie E. Cavanaugh, of Hazelton, Kan., Mrs. Clara C. Webb and Owen S. Myers, of Moline, with their mother were at his bedside during the last few weeks of his illness, and at his death, and now mourn their loss.

Mr. Myers and his family came to Moline in June, 1885, and having been closely identified with its business interests became well know and was highly respected not only in Moline, but throughout the surrounding country.

In 1849, Mr. Myers was one of a party who made the long, wearisome journey across the plains, to reach the gold mines, and it was in this way that he secured his start in the active business life which followed his return to the east.

By industry and economy he amassed considerable wealth and this fact has made him an important factor in the business life of Moline and vicinity.  Many a farmer, and many a merchant, financially pressed, has turned to Mr. Myers for relief and he has cheerfully assisted them, requiring only those safeguards that prudence demands of those who accommodate their fellow men in this way.

With the abundant opportunity the writer has had of learning his real character, he has yet to learn of any dishonorable act of Mr. Myers in all of his dealings, and on the other hand there is an abundance of testimony to the fact that he was an honorable, straight forward business man.  A faithful husband and father, he will be missed in the home, but his patient, fatherly counsel will be remembered and cherished.

In early life Mr. Myers was led to believe in Jesus Christ, and for a time strove to live by His teachings, but unfortunately allowed business cares to choke out these impressions until of late.  For the past few years this attention has been drawn toward these great questions of the future.  Two years ago, in a conversation with the writer, he expressed a longing for clear convictions and a clear assurance for the future.  It was not until quite recently, however, that he was able to cherish such a hope.  He has passed from the busy scenes of this life with all its cares, its sorrows, its trials and may we not hopingly say of Mr. Myers in the words of the motto on his casket:  He is "at rest."

Funeral services were held at the M. E. church, Thursday afternoon, conducted by Elder N. Hill, assisted by Bros. Martindale and Goodwin.  Many friends accompanied his remains to their last resting place.  The family tender their thanks to the many friends who assisted them in their sad hours of affliction.              N. Hill