Smith Pugsley

PUGSLEY

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/20/2009 at 01:17:23

Smith Pugsley, In the midst of an active, useful and honorable business career Smith Pugsley was called to his final rest. His death was occasioned by accident and the community lost a valued citizen and his family a husband and father, devoted to the welfare of wife and children. He was the owner of a farm on Sec 27, Yell township, where he made his home, having lived in the county since 1874. He as a native of Cattaraugus county, New York, born October 15, 1850, his parents being George and Jane (Moore) Pugsley, both of whom were natives of the Empire state. In June 1874, the entire family came to the west, where the family purchased the farm on Sec 20, Yell township, Boone county, where he continuously engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred on August 21, 1896. His wife has also passed away. In the family were thirteen children, one of whom is now living in Boone county, Wyman, a resident farmer of Yell township.
Smith Pugsley spent the first twenty-four years of his life in his native state. He acquired his education in the public schools there and also became familiar with farm work. He assisted his father until he had attained his majority after which he worked at any odd jobs which would yield him an honest living. IN this way he was employed until he had saved enough to buy his farm of 33 acres on Sec 27, Yell township. Upon this he built a house and made good improvements so that he left a comfortable little home to his family. He carried on general farming and stock raising and in both braches of his business met with good success.
Mr Pugsley was twice married, his first union being with Mary Chamberlain, of Boone county, who died August 2, 1896. By that union there were four children: Clarence, who died when two years of age, Frank who married Nellie Sommers and is now living in Carroll, Iowa, Albert who married Etta Ackers and is a painter living in Ogden, Iowa, and Harry who married Amanda Zenor and is living in Boone, Iowa. For his second wife Mr Pugsley chose Mrs Cynthia Brown of this state, and unto them was born one child, Floyd.
In his political views Mr Pugsley was a Republican. When he was sixteen years of age he was confirmed and joined the United Brethren church, remaining a member until a few years ago. At the time of his death one of the local papers said: “Smith Pugsley was a large hearted and tender hearted man, one easily touched by hose who were in trouble. Many will remember his untiring efforts to help them in sickness and death.” He possessed many excellent qualities, was reliable in business, and was devoted to his family and was faithful to his duties of citizenship. He passed away June 8, 1902, at the age of fifty-one years, seven months and twenty-four day and aside from his immediate family there were many friends to mourn his loss.

1902 Boone County History Book