Luke D. Smith

Today is announced the death of Luke D. Smith, of Mexico, Oswego County N. Y. , which occurred yesterday in that village. Mr. Smith had been in usually good health lately. He went last evening to the house of a neighbor to visit, and while there, dropped dead. The cause of this sudden taking off is not stated, but it was doubt less heart disease. Luke D. Smith was born in 1816 and was therefore, in his 70th year. His birthplace, we do not know. He lived in Mexico from his youth and was for many years one of its most prominent and active citizens. He entered the legal profession early and though for many years, was not in active practice, he was regarded as a well respected lawyer. In the old times, Mr. Smith was an active Democrat, and one of the leaders of the party in the days of Leander Babcock, Judge Turrill, A. P. Grant, Judge Brewster, E. B. Talcott and their contemporaries. He was twice a member of the Board of Supervisors and a member of Assembly in 1850. Sometime in the 50's he withdrew from politics, and although always a Democrat, he never again took active part in them. For the last twenty-five years, he has lived a retired life in Mexico, doing real estate business. Mr. Smith was a man of good parts, sound judgement, cool and deliberate, warm and kind in his friendships, simple in his tastes, and faithful in all the relations of his life. His death will be deeply regretted, not only in Mexico and its environs, but in all the County.


The Palladium February 19, 1866