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Somerset County Herald & Taunton Courier Saturday 11 Nov 1944
Page 7 Column 2
SKILLED CRAFTSMAN
DEATH OF MR. H. G. SMITH.
TAUNTON
CARRIED OUT IMPORTANT CONTRACTS
Many will hear with deep regret of the death of Mr. Henry George SMITH, who passed away at his home at 146 East Reach Hill, Taunton, on November 1st, after a few days' illness, in his 89th year. His wife died four years ago, a severe blow from which he never recovered.
MARRIED 63 YEARS
Mr. and Mrs. SMITH were married at St Mary's Church on February 18th 1877 by the Rev. Preb. CLARK, and had enjoyed 63 years of ideally happy married life. Both were born and had lived the whole of their lives in Taunton. On the occasion of their diamond wedding they received many telegrams of congratulation, and among them one from their Majesties the King and Queen.
Mr. SMITH, for many years one of Taunton's best-known builders, served his apprenticeship with the late Mr. Samuel SHOEBROOK, whose works were in South-street. He opened business on his own account when he was 30 years of ag <sic>. A very skilled craftsman, he could carry out the most beautiful and delicate woodwork and took a great pride in his work, which was always of a very high standard.
FIRST COUNCIL HOUSES
He built the first 24 Council houses in String-lane, now Leycroft-road, and the opening ceremony was performed by Alderman F. W. PENNY, who was the Mayor at that time, and was attended by Council officials from a wide area.
He was also the builder of the Askwith Memorial School in South-street, under the late Mr. F. W. ROBERTS, F.R.I.B.A. The foundation-stone was laid by the late Lady Mary de SALIS, wife of the late Bishop de SALIS, and will long be remembered as an event of great local interest. The Mayor at that time (the late Alderman H. J. SPILLER) and the Corporation, with many Somerset clergy, walked in procession from St. Mary's Church. The ceremony was the subject of a Pathe Frere news film.
The two houses, Thone, and the Headmaster's house at Taunton School, with their beautiful oak panelling, were also carried out by him; also the reconstruction of the Liddon Ward and the new operating theatre at the Taunton and Somerset Hospital. These are only a few of the large contracts he carried out.
DID GOOD BY STEALTH
Though taking no active part in the public affairs of the town, Mr SMITH was keenly interested in all that took place. He had a quiet, kindly disposition and was highly esteemed. He and his wife did much in their quiet way and many have reason to be thankful for the helping hand they gave, never speaking of it, and only the recipients knew what good they did. Truly of them both it can be said: “The memory of the just is blessed.”
Mr. SMITH had lived in retirement for many years. He leaves two daughters, Mrs. J. R. MATTOCK and Miss A. E. SMITH, one grandson, Mr. M. R. MATTOCK, and one great-grandson, Master Julian MATTOCK, to mourn their loss.
THE FUNERAL
The funeral took place on Wednesday at St. Mary's Cemetery, and, in accordance with his wish, was of a very quiet nature. The first part of the service took place at his residence and was conducted by the Rev. F. E. BOORMAN, of the Albemarle Baptist Chapel, who spoke feelingly of Mr. SMITH's long and useful life. He was also officiated at the graveside.
The body, encased in a shell with outer coffin of English oak, was laid to rest beside his beloved wife in the new vault which he had built for her.
The mourners were Miss A. E. SMITH (daughter) Mr. J. R. MATTOCK (son-in-law), Mr. Howard SOUTHWOOD, and Inspector F. SNELL, Mrs. R. MATTOCK (daughter) and Mr. M. R. MATTOCK (grandson) were unable to attend though indisposition.
There were no flowers by request.
<NOTES: Henry George SMITH son of George SMITH and Mary Ann ROLINGS, spouse of Harriett BIRD
His wife was Harriett BIRD daughter of John BIRD and Harriet OATEN
Miss A. E. SMITH is Alice Ethel SMITH daughter of Henry George SMITH and Harriett BIRD
J. R. MATTOCK is John Raymond Thomas MATTOCK son of John MATTOCK and Sarah STACEY, spouse of Florence Clara SMITH
Mrs J.R. and Mrs. R. MATTOCK are both references to Florence Clara SMITH daughter of George SMITH and Harriett BIRD, married John Raymond Thomas MATTOCK
M. R. MATTOCK is Maurice Raymond MATTOCK son of John Raymond Thomas MATTOCK and Florence Clara SMITH, married Elizabeth Lorna BARING-GOULD>