Submitted by Linda Ayres
Opelika News
Captain Dallas Burton Smith, postmaster of Opelika for twenty years died at his
home her Saturday evening at about 5 o'clock from locomotors ataxia and
complications.
The News of his death, a prominent citizen was a sad shock to the family and
many friends throughout the state.
Captain Smith was born Nov 19, 1844 near Wedowee Randolph County, being 69
years old at the time of his death. He was married Nov 8, 1866 to Miss Mary
Josephine Bingham of Talladega Alabama. Who precedes her husband to the grave
several years.
Captain Smith came to Opelika after the war in 1865 in charge of Freedmen's
Bureau of the Untied States Government. He later engaged in the mercantile
business in 1866 with his brother having the largest store in the city, located
where Collin's garage is now. He was in the business until it was destroyed by
fire then traveled on the road until his appointment by President Harrison of
Opelika in 1889.
Captain Smith served as Postmaster of this city twenty years under the
administration of President Harrison from 1889-1892, McKinley from 1897 to
1901, Roosevelt from 1901-1909, Taft from 1909-1913 and being recently
appointed by President Taft.
Captain Smith's record as postmaster of Opelika was an enviable one, the
business at the local office under his administration being one continued
growth and all records kept neatly and in prefect condition.
Captain Smith served in the Federal Army, being the youngest child in a family
of seven boys and two girls, all of the boys serving in the Federal Army. At
the age of 17 years he volunteered his service in the war. At age 18 was
appointed first Lieutenant and at the end of the war held the rank of Captain.
He helped organize the 1st Regiment at Huntsville under the command of Col.
George E. Spencer serving under General Dodge.
The deceased was a brother of the late William H. Smith, governor of Alabama
after the war, and one of the late Captain John O.D. Smith, both on the staff
of General Sherman in the war.
Captain Smith was a member of the Elks, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of
the U.S. and the Birmingham Camp G.A.R.
The surviving relatives are: Two daughters and two sons, Mrs. W.D. Varner and
Miss Effie Smith, Messer Arthur and Dallas Burton Smith Jr.
Two brothers and one sister survive: Jim Smith of Wedowee, Andrew Smith of
Gorman Texas and Mrs. Nancy Holmes of Milner Randolph County.
The funeral services were held at the residence at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon,
the Episcopal burial service being used. The officiating ministers were: Dr.
McNeill, Dr. Hurt and Dr. Baker. There were many beautiful floral tributes from
the lodge, post office force and friends in the city and many parts of the
state.
Honorary pallbearers were: Judge J.B. Lyons, L.F. Dickson, J.H. Purnell, H.M.
Wilson, John Smith and T.C.G. Greene. The active pallbearers were: E.F.
Pearson, T.H. Fallaw, W.P. Edwards and Otto Losson.
Interment was at the City Cemetery.
Service records compiled by Glenda Todd and used with her permission. This and other information about the history of the First and the men who fought with the unit
can be found in her book, First Alabama Cavalry, USA: Homage to Patriotism.