From Family Findings
Vol. X, No. 1, January 1978, p. 35
Copyright, Mid-West Tennessee Genealogical Society, 1978
Appears on this web site by permission

OBITUARY OF "UNCLE" GREEN SMITH

This obituary appeared in a local paper following the death of Green Smith on 11 March 1915.

Perhaps the Oldest Man in the State Died Saturday

Saturday, March 11. "Uncle Green Smith died at his home five miles west of Trezevant, near Holly Leaf. He was perhaps the oldest, and in many respects the most remarkable man in Tennessee. Born in North Carolina about the year 1800, he came with his father to Carroll county, or to whet is now Carroll county, the county not then being organized. He was only ten years of age and they settled upon the farm on which he was living at the time of his death.
            He was always healthy, and up to a few years ago he often visited among his friends and relatives, walking to and from the places, and on one occasion since he has passed the century mark, he walked to the home of one of his sons, who lived some 14 miles from him.
            His mental faculties were as good seemingly, when he died as they ever were. He had fine natural sense, but no education, and while he had little of this world's goods, he was strictly honest. He was kind and harmless, and never caused any one any trouble.
            He was always faithful in his attendance at church at Pleasant Green, and helped dig the first grave that was ever dug at that burying ground, and has missed but few funerals there since. He told his friend, J. M. Williamson, some five months ago that he sill wanted to live, but we are informed that he expressed himself as being perfectly satisfied with his future hope, and had no fears of death.
            Funeral services were conducted at Pleasant Green, and one of the largest crowds that ever gathered there at a burial was present.
            He had little of life's comforts, but he had gained more than falls to the common lot of humanity, for "Godliness with contentment is a great gain." Many of his virtues are worthy of our emulation, for "he lived in the house by the side of the road, and was a friend to man."

On 19 March 1964 "BELIEVE IT OR NOT" by Ripley pictured Green Smith in the yard near his log cabin with the following statement:
GREEN SMITH (1800-1915) of Holly Leaf, Tenn. lived in the same log cabin for 100 years.