Smasal, Leonhard J. 1866 - 1906

SMASAL, LIPPERT

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 5/7/2017 at 10:01:26

Elkader Register, Thur., 4 Oct. 1906. Clayton column.

It becomes the sad and painful duty incumbent on us to chronicle the death of our friend, neighbor and schoolmate, Leonhard J. Smasal, who, after suffering for a period of about two years with a real Christian fortitude, quietly and peacefully surrendered himself to that deep and eternal slumber to prepare the spirit to answer the final summons of his Maker, the Master of that house not built by hands. The end came Sunday forenoon, Sept. 23 at about 10:30 o'clock in the presence of his physician, a few friends and grief stricken mother, whose fond heart was sorely tried in witnessing her only beloved son enter on that long journey hence, from whence no traveler returns. Deceased was born in Clayton, Iowa, April 9, 1866, which place was his permanent home to the date of his death. In his youth he evinced a taste for the blacksmith trade and proved an efficient and adept pupil and apprentice in his father's shop and under his instructions. When sixteen years old he entered the shop of John Pickup a blacksmith of Dubuque, where he remained for some time and later worked as blacksmith for John Luther, at Guttenberg for over a year in which city he made friends during his stay there. He later went to Dakota with Chas. Eggleston, where they worked for several months with a carpenter, who was then building elevators along the railroad lines. Then later worked on the Sioux City and Northern R.R. with C. L. Morrison on a bridge building outfit. In 1890 he worked in a blacksmith shop at Rock Valley, Iowa, but for the past nine years he has been in the steady employ of the bridge crew of the C.M. & St.P. Ry. Co. up to ten days ago, when, owing to his illness, he was forced to quit work at Everett, S.D., and return to his home and mother merely to enjoy the old scenes of his childhood for a brief period of a few days 'ere his long farewell was said,, to accompany the Grim Messenger to that bright shore there to await the coming of those near and dear to him on earth. His friends and virtues were many and all deeply regret his untimely death and in his peaceful slumbers no stranger will intrude on the death watch of his lonely camp in mother earth, his last resting place after his spirit returned to God who gave it. He was a dutiful son and kind brother, ever mindful of the welfare of those around him and his kind deeds will ever remain in the minds of his associates and friends. He was laid to rest in the Clayton cemetery Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 25, burial being in charge of the M.W.A., of which deceased was and had been a member for some time. Rev. Arthur Young delivered the sermon which was very impressive and paid a beautiful tribute to deceased, as were also the M.W.A services at the grave. The floral tributes were many and beautiful, all speaking of the high esteem in which he was held. He leaves to mourn his loss his widowed mother and two sisters, Margaret and Mrs. George Lippert, both of Chicago, besides numerous other relatives and friends. His father preceded him to the grave some four years ago. To the family is extended the heartfelt sympathy of all.