Smoke, DeWitt C. – 1829-1903

DAVIS, SMOKE

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 7/13/2021 at 21:35:30

In Memoriam
DeWitt C. Smoke passed away at his home, 1521 Fairmount Avenue, Wichita, Kansas, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 1903, at two o’clock p.m. Mr. Smoke was born in New York, in 1829. Came to Jasper county, Iowa in 1854, and helped to plat the town of Galesburg, and built the first saw mill there. He was married to Miss Ella J. Davis, in the Masonic hall in Newton, Iowa, June 29, 1860. This union was blessed with three children: Della M., who died suddenly February 28, 1899. From this shock he never fully recovered, grieving for her until the last few months of his illness, when the hope of again meeting her in the realms of the blest helped him to bear his terrible suffering patiently.
In 1875, they moved to Grinnell to educate their children and lived there until they graduated. They moved to Wichita, Kansas, in 1888, having lived in Iowa about thirty-four years.
In early life, he showed a marked ability to master the sciences and become proficient in most of them while a mere boy.
He enlisted in Co K 28th Iowa Infantry, in 1862, and participated in the battles of Port Gibson, Edwards Station, Champion Hills, Seige of Vicksburg, Sabine Cross Roads, Cane River, and Middle Bayou, May 2, 4, 5 and 6. In 1864, was wounded there and sent to the hospital, and afterwards discharged on account of disability.
In civil life, as well as in military life, he had a strong desire to be on the side of right and acted at all times with absolute fearlessness. The same fortitude characterized his last illness.
He talked calmly of the time when he should be laid to rest. He outlined the plan he wished pursued. He had an unwavering faith in the future and when his chance for recovery had gone, he waited anxiously for the end.
“One more veteran passed beyond, One more mound will mark a final resting place in the silent city. One more member of the Grand Army of the Republic will answer to roll call in eternity.”
Newton Journal; Wednesday, February 25, 1903