Franklin Democrat, Friday, July 3, 1896, page 1, column 5
Word was received here this morning of the critical illness of Smith Fesler, of Franklin. He has been in poor health for some time but no serious results were anticipated. He suffered from heart trouble. Harrison Fesler, a brother drove to that city this morning. Mr. Fesler was born and raised in Morgantown and has many warm friends in this county who grieve to learn of his serious condition. He made many friends in this city while taking baths for rheumatism at the Home Lawn several years ago – Mts. Rep.

Franklin Democrat, Friday, Nov 27, 1896, page 1, column 4
Death of Smith V. Fesler.
But few men in Franklin were better known or had a larger acquaintance in Johnson county than S. V. Fesler. He had been identified so long with the leading dry goods firms of the city and this combined with his natural traits of sociability made his friends numerous.
As is well known he had been in poor health for several months, at times during the past summer, his condition being such as to cause the most serious alarm. He recovered sufficiently, however, to resume his duties in the store of R. V. Ditmars, and it was hoped his health had been fully restored.
On Saturday, in apparently good health, he went to Noblesville to visit his sister, Mrs. John E. Lake, intending to remain there over Sunday. On Monday morning he was taken suddenly ill with heart failure. Several telegrams were sent to his family in this city during that day notifying them of his condition. At 5 o’clock in the evening came the news that he had died.
His original sickness was a severe attack of la grippe, which affected his heart.
The remains were brought to Franklin Tuesday evening. Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock funeral services were held at the Christian church, conducted by Rev. T. M. Wiles, of Martinsville, a former pastor of the church here, and under the auspices of the K. of P. lodge, assisted by the Odd Fellows. A large number of friends and members of lodges at other points in the county was present. The funeral was one of the largest ever seen in Franklin and the ceremonies of the most impressive nature.
Deceased was born in Morgantown Nov. 12, 1853. In November 1876, he was married to Clara Mathis, daughter of Wm. J. Mathis, who survives her husband.
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Greenlawn Before 1927 by Alan Jones:
Smith V. Fesler, born November 12 1853, died November 23 1896
Section 8 Lot 7

[Submitted by Mark McCrady and Cathea Curry]