I introduce you to the late W. Glen Smith, a generous and interesting man, not just because he would stand out in a crowd. But because he represents those dear hearts and gentle people who live in every town–small to big.

Trouble Light

When my younger sister and I got married–six weeks apart (something that whitened Mom’s hair more quickly)–he gave each of us a trouble light as a wedding gift. We laughed. But if you think about it, such lights could come in handy for many things. And they did. They probably also contained a message for married life!

Five Pounds of Sugar

In my dad’s book Post Scripts, he mentions that some years later Glen felt he owed my mom and dad a gift. They found a 10-pound bag of sugar in the seat of their car. “Glen said we deserved a gold medal but the sugar was as close as he could get at that time,” Dad wrote.

Dad’s Introduction to Mr. Smith

Dad said that his first introduction to Mr. Smith was a letter he sent soon after our family moved to Gallatin. In it, he wrote, “I always thought I could tell a man exactly what I thought of him much better in a letter than orally. Then, too, it is much safer. Furthermore if it incites in him to desire to prosecute, he already has documentary evidence.”

You’re Even or Superior, to the Best

Mr. Smith continued: “I have followed your writings closely since you took charge of the paper…and am compelled to say I admit your style very much. Your expression is clear and your choice of words most excellent. I have read the paper through many editorships, some of them very good. But in my humble opinion you qualify even, or superior, to the best.”

Multi-faceted Career

Dad noted, “Glen had a career that embraced pharmacy, the manufacture and sale of grave monuments, teaching and real estate. He managed all of these despite an illness involving his late wife, Iola, that caused her to be bedfast for many years.” The widower Smith lived down the street from my parents.

Another Important Letter to Dad

As old age began to take a hold on Mr. Smith, Dad received another letter. It began: “Knowing the value of your time and the high cost of unimportant interruptions, I choose to write instead of invading your sanctum-sanctorum.

“Now, then, friend Joe, I came here without drum and bugle and it is my earnest desire to depart in like manner; therefore, if  you are in charge of the paper when the whistle is blown for me I want you to follow these instructions:

No Obituary or Picture

“I do not want an obituary or picture in the paper. Instead I hereby contract and bind my estate, if any, for a three or four-inch single column box on an inside page which shall contain the following information: W. Glen Smith came here October 29, 1881, lived here continuously for XX years, XX months and XX days. He departed XXXXX and will not return.”

Pallbearers?

Perhaps tongue in cheek, Mr. Smith dictated that his pallbearers should be “a farmer, a businessman who has never been bankrupts, a Protestant, a Catholic, a Democrat and a Republican if you can find one.”

A Little Philosophy

He added a little philosophy at the end of this missive. “Time and fortune have not always dealt kindly with me. But I harbor no resentment. For the major part of my life I have been cast in the best neighborhood in the whole world. No response from the younger generation–but if they will just wait awhile their ‘new’ will be ‘old’. And they, too, will obtain many pleasures from their memories.”

Times Have Changed

“You see, I have come down before the auto, the rural telephone, radio, television, atom bombs and so many Democrats. I love all my friends and enemies, but just a little less for the enemies. Now and then I have succeeded in doing what I set out to do. Please excuse the intrusion on your time.”

No Excuse Needed

“No excuse needed, Mr. Smith,” Dad wrote after the dear gentleman’s death, “the pleasure was all ours.”

 

My father, Joe Snyder, writes more about Mr. Smith and other colorful characters in his book Post Scripts, as well as in his book County Seat Paper. Both are available as Amazon paperbacks. And County Seat Paper is also available for Kindle. It shortly will be available as an audiobook as well.