Smithville loses a valued citizen

After a life devoted to community betterment, one of the most highly respected citizens of Smithville for many years, Ellis Ward Murgatroyd, died at his home in Smithville on Thursday in his 86th year. With his passing, Smithville loses one of its oldest and most esteemed citizens who had grown with the community and whose foresight and energy aided greatly in making the town of today. Back in 1878 Mr. Murgatroyd's father, the late Robert Murgatroyd, himself and his brother, Robert C. Murgatroyd, entered into partnership and founded the general store. There was no railway through at that time, and the goods had to be teamed from Hamilton to Smithville. The general store was just that and the brothers bought all that the farmers produced and sold everything they required. The stove in the centre of the store was also the scene of many a hot political argument in the old days, as Mr. Murgatroyd and his father before him were strong Liberals and always interested in politics. In 1910, with their father's death, the deceased and his brother entered the banking business under the name of R. Murgatroyd and Son. The deceased was very active in the community and he was instrumental in getting the T. H. & B. railway line through Smithville around 1895. He was a former member of the high school board and he was tremendously interested in the United Church being a member and active worker. His life was full of energy and he was a man who until he was over 80 had never had need of a doctor's care. He was interested in affairs of the day and was active in sports, his favourite recreation being fishing, golfing and boating. He was an extensive traveller and had visited Europe, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean among other places. The deceased was also an great advocate of prohibition and was instrumental in getting local option some 30 years ago. Surviving the deceased are his wife, the former Alice Maud Wickett, one son, Fred R. Murgatroyd, of Hamilton; two grandchildren, Beth and Bob Murgatroyd; and a brother, Robert C. Murgatroyd. The funeral was held at the United Church, Smithville, on Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock, with Rev. H.A. Boyd officiating, Rev. Norman Rawson assisting.