Person:Orpah Smith (1)

Mrs. Orpha Wells Funeral of Mrs. Orpha Wells, at her residence in Wellsburg, on Saturday last was attended by a large circle of relatives, friends and neighbors. Mrs. Wells, all through life, was so kind, so benevolent and affectionate to those about her that none knew her but to love her. She was a friend to all with whom she met, weather rich or poor, without regard to race or nationality. She was spoken of by all who knew her in the familiar term "Aunt Orpha," everyone claiming her as an especial friend through her acts of kindness. Her benevolence to those in need was only limited by the extent of her means. In the domestic relations of life, as wife and mother, she was most affectionate and self-sacrificing in devotion to the happiness of her husband and children. She was born in the town of Southport December 21 St, 1805, and was the second daughter of Solomon L. Smith, who was the first supervisor of the town in the year 1822, and several terms subsequently held that office, in all fourteen years. From about 1819 he resided at the Bulkhead Hotel, where he engaged in hotel business, operating the woolen factory at that place in connection with Charles Evans, lumber and farming extensively. He was married to Miss Julia Seeley, daughter of Mr. Samuel Seeley, who at the time lived on the farm now occupied by Alpha D. Griswold, which is situate about a mile above the Bulkhead Hotel on the plank road leading to the state line. Solomon L. Smith's family consisted of the following sons and daughters, and we give the names of those to whom they were married: Aurelia, the eldest still living, was born in Southport August 6, 1802, and married Shadrack Thompson; Orpha, deceased married Abner Wells; Margaret, deceased, married Mijamin Griswold; Emma, still living, married Sebury French; Orr, still living, married Huldah Ann Smith; Hannah, deceased, married Henry Case Wells; Fanny, still living, married Harvey Farrand and Ebenezer Seeley, [ second husband]; Timothy, deceased, married Harriet Fry; Uri, deceased, not married; Jud, still living, married Rebecca Matthews; Harriet deceased, and youngest of the family, married Hammond Matthews. SOURCE: newspaper clipping saved by Bessie Wells Jones