Warren "Brownie" Wesley Smith

PHILLIPSBURG, KANSAS Thurday April 18, 1935

Everyone Will Miss Brownie

Though it was known that W. W. Smith ("Brownie, " as acquaintances called him) had been sick and very low for a week, all were shocked and grieved to learn he had passed away Monday about 12:30 at the Hotel Bissell, he having been landlord of the hotel since 1925, ably assisted by his wife, they having made their place a well known home for traveling men making this territory.

Warren Wesley Smith was born at Barry, Ill., October 10, 1883, being 51 years 6 months and 5 days old at time of his death. The family came to Kansas in 1885, locating an a farm near Wellsville, in 1908 Brownie came to this city, and in 1913 he married to Miss Winnifred Wilda Strohm. He was empolyed that year in a barber shop owned by Jeff Hatfield, the second year being located on a farm five miles west of town. He then came back to town and bought a barber shop, tried his hand at the bakery business, then in March 1925, bought the Hotel property, operating it continuously since.

Brownie was always a booster and ready to take part in anything calculated to help the town and community. He was a member of various organizations, chamber of commerce, Lions club, mens bible class of Presbyterian church, a Mason, member of the Chapter, Star, commandery, Council and Isis Shrine.

Brownie's father died eight years ago; he is survived by his mother, who lives at Wellsville, his wife, three sisters, two brothers and two uncles. Nearly everyone who knew Brownie has some story to tell about his generosity and kindness to this one and the other. He was known and liked by the traveling public from the Mississippi to the rockies. The body lay in state at the Presbyterian church yesterday from noon until time of the funeral service at 2:30 with Masonic attendance. The various orders of Masons were present in a body to do honor to their comrade and brother.

Messrs Scott, Lane, Barnes and Starr rendered two quartet numbers and Rev. Hart conducted the service. At Fairview Cemetery Master Masons were in charge of the last rites. Thus passes another of our citizens who will be very much missed.

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