SMITH Family Reunion - 1904

WIDGER, DUNNING, SMITH

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 9/23/2011 at 16:34:20

"The Fairfield Ledger"
November 9, 1904
Page 9, Columns 4 & 5

A NOTABLE REUNION.

A happy reunion of brothers and sisters was recently held at the home of Rachel Ann WIDGER in Batavia. Those present were Mrs. WIDGER, Mrs. Robert DUNNING of South Ottumwa, Edward James SMITH of Caldwell, Idaho, Marion SMITH of Kirksville, and Carlisle SMITH of Bladensburg. These brothers and sisters had not been together for over forty years. They were all born in Jefferson County, Iowa, except Mrs. WIDGER, and she was less than two years of age when the family came to this state, then a territory. Their father, Elias SMITH, settled in Jefferson County in 1836, and died in Batavia in 1892. The county now owns the land on which he located. E.J., Marion, Mrs. DUNNING and Carlisle were born in this farm. E.J. is the oldest, sixty-six years, and he claims the distinction of being the oldest soldier in the War of the Rebellion who was born in the state. If anyone can date back father he will be pleased to hear from him. He was regimental color bearer and member of Company C, Eighth Iowa Cavalry, enlisted in Libertyville and served three years, being in all the battles in which his regiment participated. He came home in poor health, went to Idaho in 1869 and is still a resident of that state. Carlisle was a member of Company H, Thirtieth Iowa Infantry, and enlisted in Fairfield. Marion went to Oregon before the war and was in the west until it closed.... Carlisle lost his wife twenty years ago, James and Marion lost their companions in 1903, and Mrs. WIDGER her husband in 1904.

The house they were born in was a double log house with fire place in center, which has long passed away. Many tender thoughts of their associations cling around that memorable hill of their birthplace.... Not a vestige of anything is left -- all in pasture, and not even the least thing there to mark the place.... When the three gray-haired brothers stood within ten feet of where they were born.... it seemed the sweetest and dearest name of all was "mother," who died in 1847.... The combined ages of the three brothers and two sisters is 321 years.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I am not related to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: "Mother" was Elizabeth BUSICK SMITH, buried in Cumberland Cemetery. The father, Elias, is buried in Wapello County.