Smith, Arthur E., 1880-1978

Acclaimed as the master violin maker of the 20th century, Arthur E. Smith's string instruments were sought by violinists world wide. A. E. Smith made 200 violins during his working life, the first in Islington, London, at the age of 17. After migrating to Australia in his early 20's, he set up a business in violin making and maintenance, established a shop for string instruments, and trained apprentices. Secrets of his pure-sounding instruments which were compared to the sounds of a Stradivarious of Guarnerius violin, were passed only to his family. His son-in-law, Ernest Llewellyn was a solo violinist, chamber music player, orchestral leader, conductor, teacher and music administrator.

Springfield, Illinois, mayor and editor and publisher of Illinois State Journal and Illinois State Register. Born in Springfield. Reporter for various Springfield newspapers (1896-1907). Member of Republican party. Served as Springfield city clerk (1907-1910), commissioner of finance (1915-1916), and mayor (1926-1930). Editor of Illinois State Journal (1930-1955); publisher of Journal and Illinois State Register (1942-1955).

Editorial column, "Making Conversation," featured in Journal from 1931 through 1958. Became a vice-president and director of Copley Press in 1953; named publisher emeritus of Journal and Register in 1955. Member of a variety of local clubs and organizations. Married Lyda Mockbee--parents of two children, Mayme Jeanette and Emil Griffiths.