1915-06-07ac

Hamilton’s Police Chief Alexander Smith had been off duty for some time. Occasional new paper reports indicated that he was suffering from influenza, or was experiencing other causes for his inability to carry on with his duties, but, it was emphasized, that he was recovering.

However, in fact, Chief Smith was very seriously ill, and indeed he ultimately succumbed to his health issues.

Immediately as the news circulated, there were indications of the chief’s passing noted within the central police station:

“ The door of the late chief’s private office at central station was draped in mourning today, and mourning was also draped about the crest above the magistrate’s throne in the court room.”¹

¹ “Remains of Chief Smith Laid to Rest”

Hamilton Spectator.  June 7, 1915.

As a police chief dying while still in office, it was decided that his funeral would be very impressive, and extensive arrangements were to be made so that it would be so.

The Hamilton City Council was called into session on Saturday June 5, 1915 for one purpose:

“A special meeting of the city council was held on Saturday afternoon for the purpose of ratifying the action of the mayor in deciding upon a public funeral for the late chief.

“On motion of Controller Cooper and Alderman Hopkins, the following resolution was adopted, a copy of which has been forwarded by City Clerk Kent to the family.

“ ‘Resolved, that this council has learned with great sorrow of the death of the late Alexander Smith, chief of police, who for forty-three years was connected with the police force of this city, and by sterling worth advanced from the ranks to the position of chief constable, which position he filled for twenty years with great credit to himself and satisfaction to the board of commissioners of police and the citizens generally.

“ ‘By his courageous conduct on many trying occasions, he won the admiration of those associated with him, and by the capable and efficient management of the men under him, he earned their entire confidence and esteem: to his untiring work, against all classes of evil, is largely due the good name of our city. By his death the city has lost a faithful and loyal officer, whose honest and clean administration of the department of police brought honor to himself and to the city which he faithfully served.

“ ‘To his widow and members of his family, the council tender their sincere sympathy in the great and irreparable loss they have sustained.

“ ‘That, as a further mark of respect to the deceased, the council attend in a body the funeral service at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, June 7’ ”¹

After extensive preparations and organization, arrangements for the late chief’s funeral were put in place :

“At 2 o’clock this afternoon, the off duty members of the force formed up in front of the central police station, and, headed by Deputy Chief Whatley, marched to the corner of King and Wentworth streets, where they remained until 2:40. The officers then entered the late chief’s residence, and in single file viewed the remains.

“The members of the force then surrounded the hearse and acted as a bodyguard while the remains were being conveyed to Knox church, where a memorial service was held at 4 o’clock.

“Four mounted outriders, the four senior sergeants, were at the head of the funeral procession. They were followed by Deputy Chief Whatley and Chief TenEyck, of the fire department. Members of the Masonic order, police chiefs from outside cities, civic officials and relatives followed.

Immediately after the service at Knox Presbyterian Church, the remains of Chief Smith were removed from the church and placed in the funeral hearse again. The hearse was surrounded in semi-circle by uniformed members of the police force and members of the Masonic order in full regalia.

Once everyone was ready, the funeral procession moved out westerly along King street. Along the route to the Hamilton Cemetery on York street, activity stopped on the streets and sidewalks, as members of the public paused to respect the chief.

The public funeral of Hamilton Police Chief Alexander Smith ended with his internment in the family plot..