- Obituary
"John Smith was born May 14, 1820 in Tyrone Co., Ireland and died August 24,1899 at his home in this county aged 79 yrs, 3 mos, 10 days. Emmigrated from Ireland when 17 years old, and landed at Philadelphia in August 1837, from where he came to Alleghany, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the Mexican War and was with General Kearney in his march across the plains. He was married to Catherine Tulley in St. Louis October 5, 1850 and together they came to Iowa in 1851. They settled in this county, on what is now known as the DeFord place, where they lived until 1864 when they removed to where he resided until his death. To them were born 13 children. He leaves beside his wife and children, 2 sisters, Grandma Beaty of Cantril and Grandma Pinkerton of Washington, Ia, 20 granchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Member of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and also the class at Mt. Zion. He was a good father, a honest neighbor, and loyal citizen. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. L.T. Hughes after which the body was interred in the Home Prairie graveyard. About 100 teams followed the remains from the house to the cemetery, thus testifying to the great respect which all who knew him had for one who had spent so many years in our midst.
Obit Book C; Keosaqua
State Line Democrat, Aug 31, 1899
Cantril, Sudden Death of John Smith, a Mexican War Veteran
The death of John J. Smith Wednesday of last week was sudden and unexpected. The boys were not at home. About 8 o'clock he retired and requested Mrs. Smith to bring him a drink when she came up to bed. After finishing her evenings work she took the water and went up to the room. Approaching the bed she spoke to him and receiving no answer she took hold of him and tried to arouse him. Failing in this she started to a neighbor's and met the boys. When they returned it was but a few minutes till he passed away. Mr. Smith was a native of Ireland. He came to America when quite young. He was a soldier in the Mexican War. Enlisted at St. Louis in 1846. After his return he engaged in the business of horse merchant. With his land warrant he entered the Beatty farm and soon afterward came to this county where he has since resided. Before coming here he was married to Catherine Tully who survives him. Mr. Smith was industrious and enterprising. That he was a good citizen and held in high esteem was demonstrated by the attendance at his funeral, there being more than a hundred teams in the pocession. The sermon was preached by L.T. Hughes and he was laid to rest in the Hoskin cemetery.
Notes: John came to America with his brother Alexander and two sisters from Ireland in 1834 and landed at Quebec, Canada. He was a private of Capt. Noble G. Cunningham's Company, 6th Batt. Regiment Of Infantry, Missouri Volunteers. He enrolled on May 24, 1847 and was discharged Oct 10, 1848 at Independance, Missouri. He was 5 ft 10 inches with fair complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair.
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1820 - 1899 (79 years)
