Edmund Smith

Mr. Edmund Smith, the florist, residing on Linnean Street, died very suddenly of apoplexy at his home at about 8:30 Monday evening. He was seated at a table engaged in a game of checkers with his son, Frank. Apparently he was in the best of health and had not be complaining at all during the day. He was in good spirits and a few moments before enjoyed a hearty laugh at a good move he made on the checker board by which he captured three men. While waiting for his son to move a checker, he threw up his head slightly, clapsed his hands to his forehead and sank forward to the table, expiring immediately.

Mr. Smith was born in Waltham, August 15, 1807, being therefore, on his last birthday, 80 years old. His parents were farmers and until he was 21 years old he worked at home. He then went to Boston and engaged in the wholesale and retail provision business, with a store at the corner of Hanover and Fleet Streets. After ten - twelve years in that business, during which he was very properous, he purchased a fine estate in Brighton and retired. While residing there he took up horticulture as a pastime. He was accustomed to distribute flowers generously among the guests at the Cattle Fair Hotel on market days. Acting upon a suggestion of his wife, he finally began charging small sums for his flowers, and from that beginning grew an extensive business in time. During the war he made considerable money. After residing in Brighton for 28 years he built his present fine home and greenhouses in this city and removed hither, where he has been located ever since. He pursued the florist's business to the close of his life, although he has not done a very extensive business for several years. He peddled his own wares among the business houses and in the streets of Boston and had regular customers. His familiar figure will be missed among many such friends. Even on the day of his death he visited Boston on business and on returning home felt quite disturbed that he should have been blocked by the procession for over two hours. Mr. Smith leaves four sons and two daughters to mourn his loss, his wife having died a few years ago.

Edmund Smith is buried at Mount Auburn Cemetery, his lot is situated on Spruce Avenue and is lot No. 1566.