Family Genealogy

OBITUARY
SMITH, Matthew A. son of Bowlin and Louwell Smith and brother of Rev. John L. Smith, of the Northwest Indiana Conference, died at his home in Jay co., Ind., after more than a year's suffering, Mar. 15, 1882. He was the eighth child, and second son in a family of ten children, all of whom removed with their parents from Virginia in 1826, and settled in what is known as the Union Neighborhood, south of Xenia, Green co, O. He was converted Dec. 27, 1839, and joined the Methodist Church three days after. July 2, 1840, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Ann Hagler, and in October of the same year settled in Jay co., Ind. In 1841 he was appointed class leader, which office he faithfully filled until the time of his death. He was in every respect a true Christian gentleman, quiet, unassuming and liberal; and devoted to all the interests of Methodism; a man of God. For 18 successive years he held the office of Justice of the peace. For 10 or 12 years that of county commissioner, and in 1875 he was elected joint representative of Jay and Delaware Counties. In all these relations as well as in his Church relations he was upright, honest, and true to his callings. His 7 sisters have passed on before him, all dying in the faith. Of the 10 in family but 2 remain. John L. and Benjamin. He has fought the fight and but few men have more steadily and faithfully kept the faith. A widow, 2 sons and 2 daughters, with the Church to which he belonged, mourn his loss.

Western Christian Advocate - about 1882

Matthew Alexander Smith, elected Justice of the Peace in Greene County, Ohio, after residing there only 2 years. Married Elizabeth Ann Hagler in Greene County in 1840.