James Smith 1841-1920 Civil War Veteran

SMITH, DOWNING, UMBARGER, HAYES, ZWISLER

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 5/3/2011 at 22:17:48

James Smith was born on August 24, 1841 at Wawarsing,
Ulster county, New York. When he was twelve years of
age he moved, with his parents, to southeastern Iowa.
Here he lived until the break of the Civil War, when he and
five brothers enlisted in the Union Army.
- His army record is one to be proud of--- He enlisted in
Company C Cavalry the 26th day of August 1862 and was
mustered into the United States service as a private for three
years on the 30th day of August 1862 at Keokuk, Iowa by
Captain Charles C. Smith Mustering Officer. He was wounded
at Coldwater, Miss. on August 21, 1863. On January 1st, 1864
he was promoted to the rank of 7th Corporal. He re-enlisted as
a veteran and was again mustered into service on Feb. 22, 1864.
Promotions came to him and in one year's time he ranked as
third Corporal. He was mustered out of service August 9, 1865,
at Atlanta, Georgia.
-After being mustered out of service he resided at Montrose, Iowa
for a short time after which he went with his people to Polk County,
Mo., where he lived until the year 1872 at which time he came to
Fayette county, Iowa where he has made his home ever since.
-On January 16, 1873 Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Jennie
Downing of Palatine, Illinois. They settled on a farm in this county where
they lived until twenty eight years ago when they moved to Oelwein.
Five children came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, four of
whom grew to manhood and womanhood and survive the passing of
their father. They are W. A. Smith of Fredericksburg, Mrs. William
Umbarger of Odebolt, Mrs. Herbert Hayes of Hazleton and Mrs. Avis
Zwisler of Chicago. Besides those there are nine grandchildren and
one great grandchild who remain to revere his memory. These together
with his life companion will cherish precious thoughts of him through-
out the coming days and years.
-When he was a young man he confessed faith in God and united with
the Methodist Episcopal church --- when a post of the Grand Army was organized
he united with his comrades in that order, and has always been proud of the
Grand Army of the Republic. He has been a Mason since early manhood and
has regarded the tenets of this order with great love and respect.
-Funeral services were conducted from the home Tuesday at 2 pm by Dr. W. C.
Cleworth --- Mrs. Manning and Miss Ross sang two favorite hymns. The Hebron
Lodge AF&AM had charge of the services at the grave. The Griffith Post of the
Grand Army was well represented at the funeral.
- Interment was made in Oakdale cemetery.

Oelwein Daily Register - 7 April 1920