New Plymouth Sentinel
Thursday, January 16, 1913
A Sad Death
This week we record the death of James Rodney Smith whose steady decline for the last two years has been marked by many with interest and sympathy.
Ever since he was aware of the hold disease had upon him, he has made patient and heroic effort to gain victory over it, but all in vain. Medical treatment served only to alleviate. Change of location, elevation or atmosphere, only brought temporary relief and after varied journeyings he returned to New Plymouth to wait the end at the home of his grand parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Fairman. Here he was cared for with the unfailing devotion of a mother whose only thought was for his comfort.
He died on Saturday night, January 11. Rodney was born in Des Moines, Iowa, August 16, 1885, and so, had reached the age of twenty-seven and nearly one-half years.
He was an upright and exemplary young man and there are many who lament his untimely death.
Funeral services were conducted on Monday, January 13, at the Fairman home. The I. 0.0. F., to which fraternity Rodney belonged, were present in regalia and from their number the bearers were chosen.
Interment was made at Park View Cemetery. the mother, brother and all who were bound to Rodney by the ties of nature or affection have the sincere sympathy of a community where hearts readily respond to the joys or the sorrows of others.