1880

It is with deep regret that we are called upon to record the passing of another Classmate, William Isaac Clarke Smith who died at the Memorial Hospital, Paterson, New Jersey, January sth last after an illness of four months. As noted in my Notes of the November Issue, he had undergone a major operation from which he seemed to be on the road to recovery, but unfavorable symptoms subsequently developed resulting in his decease.

He was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, the oldest son in a family of eight children. His father, Honorable Isaac W. Smith was a well known New Hampshire lawyer, a Judge of the Supreme Court of that State, a Graduate of Dartmouth and for many years a Trustee of the College.

After Graduation "Will" began teaching as Professor of English in the University of Wyoming (1887-1892). He also studied abroad in France and Germany at the University of Berlin, from which he received the Degree of A.M. in 1895.

In 1895 he joined with our late classmate, Charles Strout in the ownership and management of St. Luke's School, a very successful private school for boys located at Wayne, Pennsylvania, (now Valley Forge Academy) which had an established high class reputation throughout the Country. Here he remained as an Assistant Headmaster until the state of his health obliged him to give up work in the autumn of 1926. About the same time his classmate Strout suffered a nervous breakdown and having received an attractive offer for the go acre school grounds and buildings, they sold the school in 1927 and "Will" went to live in France.

His health, however, was not benefited by the change and he later returned to America in July of 1929 after his partial recovery from a critical operation in France and since that time has lived in practical retirement in New York City, although immediately previous to his fatal illness, he was living with our Honorary Classmate, Mr. George A. Schultz, one of his old boys of St. Luke's in Paterson, New Jersey.

He travelled extensively throughout this Country and Europe and Africa and made one trip around the World. He was never active in outdoor or athletic life, but while his health was good, he followed his inherent literary turn of mind and published many stories and verses principally for boys and for many years was a regular contributor to the Youth's Companion.

He was also very fond of animals and wrote a good many animal stories. Chief among his publications are About Us andThe Deacon, Roger, a dog story, The Vigil,The Manger, and Songs from the FootHills.

"Will" was my old chum and roommate at Dartmouth a fine gentleman of sterling worth always of a kind and genial disposition anxious to be helpful to others he was a great favorite among his friends and well liked by all who knew him.

He was unmarried, a Mason, a member of Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity, a Republican in Politics, Episcopalian, member of the New England Society of Philadelphia, the Alpha Delta Phi Club of New York City, The Church Club of Philadelphia.

He leaves surviving a sister, Mrs. Janes S. Bothfeld, four neices and a nephew. Interment is in the Pine Grove Cemetery, Manchester, New Hampshire.

Green Grow the Grass Above Thee,Friend of My Boyhood Days,None Knew Thee But To Love Thee,None Named Thee But To Praise.

Secretary, 10 Post Office Square, Boston, Mass.