VESPASIAN SMITH 1873-1874

(From the Thursday, October 12, 1897 Duluth News-Tribune)

DEATH OF DR. SMITH

ONE OF DULUTH'S OLDEST SETTLERS SINKS IN HIS LAST SLEEP

Came to the Head of Lake Superior Forty Years Ago -- Served as Mayor of Duluth, as Collector of Customs Under Three Presidents and as Member of the State Board of Health.

Dr. Vespasian Smith, one of Duluth's pioneer settlers, died last night at the home of his son, Frank B. Smith, at the advanced age of 79 years. Dr. Smith has been in ill health for the past year, and during the last five or six weeks has been confined to the house. Several days ago it became apparent that he was failing rapidly, and his death was not entirely unexpected.

During his lifetime, Mr. Smith was one of the most prominent men in northern Minnesota. He was born in Ohio, and came to the Northwest in the early 50s. He first located at Bayfield, Wis., and while there served a term as government Indian agent. A few years later he removed to Duluth, and at once became a prominent figure in local politics. He served a term as mayor of the city, and was afterward appointed to the office of collector of customs for this port. He held this office for a number of years, serving under three different administrations. He was later appointed a member of the state board of health. He has not been engaged in the active practice of medicine for a number of years. He was a member of the Palestine Masonic lodge.

Dr. Smith's wife survives him, and also his son, Frank B. Smith, and daughter, Mrs. Dr. McCormick, and a brother that resides in St. Paul. He was the father of Will Smith, who died last February.

The funeral arrangements had not been decided on last night, but will be announced later.