Smith, James Oliver – d. 1921

PERSONETTE, RHODES, SMITH

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 6/25/2017 at 13:55:16

J. O. Smith Dies
Pneumonia Cause of Death – Ill but Short Time
James Oliver Smith, one of the Jasper county’s pioneer engineers, died at the Skiff hospital Tuesday morning from pneumonia and a complication of troubles.
His death was sudden and unexpected, although it was known Monday that his chances for recovery were small. Last Saturday afternoon he was working about the Junior High school tennis courts and feeling fairly good but in the evening he was stricken with a sudden illness and on Monday morning was taken to the hospital where a consultation was held. He has, however, been in failing health all summer but it was thought his illness was only a sickness which would soon be overcome.
James Oliver Smith was born sixty-three years ago in Mapleton, Pennsylvania, where he lived until he was ten years old when he and his parents moved to Jasper county, and settled in the Rushville neighborhood where they resided for a number of years. When but a young man he came to Newton and took up work as an engineer in the old Richards mill where he worked for some time, leaving there to engage in similar work at the Mershon mill in the east part of town. Since that time he has been engaged as an engineer in various factories and the last place being the high school heating plant where he has been employed for the past eleven years.
Early in life he united with the Methodist Episcopal church and has remained faithful to that creed ever since. He has always been an active worker in any capacity in which he was engaged. Because of his genial disposition he had gained a host of friends who will be grieved to hear of his untimely death.
Late in life he married Mrs. Della Personette, of Monroe, who preceded him in death a year ago.
He is survived by two brothers, E. C. Smith, of Newton and E. L. Smith of Hoquian, Washington, who returned home from Iowa but a month ago after a few weeks visit in Newton with his two brothers. Two fraternal organizations, the I.O.O.F. and the Modern Woodman, will also mourn the death of Mr. Smith.
No funeral arrangements have been made but as soon as word is received from Washington the announcement will be given.
Source: Newton Daily News; Tuesday, October 18, 1921

Smith Funeral to be Held Sunday
Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at the Methodist Episcopal church for James Oliver Smith. Burial will be made in the Newton cemetery. His brother, E. L. Smith and family, from Washington are expected Saturday evening.
Source: Newton Daily News; Wednesday, October 19, 1921

Smith Funeral Was Held on Sunday
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon for Oliver Smith, who died several days ago from a complication of diseases. The services were held in the Methodist Episcopal church, with Dr. Charles B. Hankins, assisted by Rev. Paul Becker, officiating.
Music was furnished by the Methodist Episcopal church quartette, composed of Mrs. B. H. Chesnutt, Miss Irene Gress, Fred Hough and E. H. Maytag, who rendered three beautiful selections, two of which were well known old favorites, “Thy Will Be Done” and “Alone With Thee.”
Burial was made in the Newton cemetery.
Among the out of town attendants were: Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Smith and two daughters, Mrs. James Rhodes and Vea Smith, of Hoquin, Washington; Clay Smith of Linden; Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Smith, Mr. and Mrs. E. Armstrong of Searsboro; Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Dawson, and son and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Clev. Heavland and two daughters and Joseph Thorn of Monroe.
Source: Newton Daily News; Tuesday, October 25, 1921, p1