Smith, Silas S. 1830-1915

SMITH, THOMPSON

Posted By: David Powell (email)
Date: 8/24/2004 at 20:20:54

News of Death of Silas Smith Surprise To Many People

Funeral Services Held at the Reasnor Church; Rev. Fitzsimmons Taking Charge

The news of the death of Silas Smith came as a surprise to his many friends and relatives. He was a very old man and had been frail for a long time. He had been spending the past winter at the home of his son, Will, in Kansas. He seemed to be as well as common when he retired in the evening, but soon after, his son heard him calling and went to his bedside. Will wanted to call the doctor but the father told him that it was of no use because he was almost gone.

He was only sick an hour, when the tender thread of life was broken.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith were early settlers in Jasper County. They lived on a farm north of Reasnor for many years and retired in their old age to their little home in town. In the spring of 1912, their home was broken up by the death of Mrs. Smith. Since her death Mr. Smith has been at the home of his son, Arthur east of town, and Will in Kansas.

The funeral services were held at the church this morning at 10:30 conducted by Rev. Fitzsimmons. ~ The Reasnor News, July 5, 1915, page 1 – Printed in The Newton (IA) Daily News, Newton, Iowa, July 6, 1915.
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Death of an Old Resident

Silas Smith, Pioneer of Palo Alto Township Dies in Kansas

Silas Smith, a well known and highly esteemed resident of this county for many years, died at the home of his son, Charles W. Smith in Sedan, Kansas, very suddenly last Friday Night, July 2d – only being sick about an hour. The body accompanied by his son arrived in Newton at an early hour Monday morning, and was taken to the undertaking parlors of McLaughlin & Hilliard. Funeral services were held in the M. E. Church at Reasnor on Tuesday morning, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Fitzsimmons, there being a large attendance of old friends and neighbors.

Father Smith’s age was about 84 years. He was a splendid old man, a member of the Methodist Church from his youth, and had always stood high in the confidence and love of everybody with whom he was associated. His wife died about four years ago, breaking up the old home, and since then he had lived alternately with his only children, Arthur John Smith at Reasnor, and Chas. W. Smith at Sedan, Kansas.

The last few months of his life were spent at the latter place, in his usual health. On Friday evening, July 2, he had enjoyed watching some boys with their fire-crackers, then retired to his room jokingly telling them he would have his celebration the next day. About 10 o’clock he was taken violently ill and passed away at 11:15, the cause of death being heart trouble. ~ Newspaper unknown.
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An Old Settler Gone

Silas S. Smith was born in Indiana September 7, 1830. He died at the home of his son, C. W. Smith, in Sedan, Kansas, July 2, 1915, at the age of 84 years, 8 months and 25 days.

He was united in marriage with Miss Susan Thompson, March 11, 1855, in Westerville, Ohio. They journeyed thru life together for fifty-seven years, when his beloved wife went to her heavenly home.

Three children were born to them, Francis Marion, who died when about three years old, Charles Wilbur of Sedan, Kansas, and Arthur of Reasnor, Iowa. The two sons and their families remain and mourn the departure of a loving father and grandfather.

He was one of a family of eight children all of whom, excepting one, have preceded him in death-Laura, the oldest, who lives in Indiana and has been an invalid for more than 12 years.

After his marriage Mr. Smith lived one year in Westerville, Ohio, then came to Iowa and settled on a farm between Otley and Pella where he resided for two and one-half years. They then moved to the east and lived eight years in Pierceton, Indiana. They again returned to the old farm in Iowa and one year later settled on a farm near Reasnor.

In 1897 he retired from the farm and settled in Reasnor where he lived until the death of his wife in 1912. Since that time he has made his home with his children, the two last winters and this summer being spent with his son C. W. Smith, in Sedan, Kansas, where he passed peacefully away after an illness of one hour.

Many years ago he confessed his Saviour and continued in the faith until the end. In 1898 he, with his wife, transferred their membership to the Methodist church in Reasnor.

He was a tenderly affectionate husband, a loving father. He was a good man and respected citizen. He was ripe for the harvest, ready to be gathered with the redeemed in heaven.

The service was held at the church in Reasnor, conducted by his pastor, Rev. C. E. Fitzsimons. Interment was in Palo Alto Cemetery. ~ Newspaper unknown.