James R. Smith 1840-1921

SMITH, MORRIS, ROSS, KERN, BAKER, EDMONDSON, MCROBERTS

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 9/20/2023 at 08:32:21

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction IA
Thursday, March 31, 1921
Page 1

J. R. Smith, a prominent and well known resident of this community for many years died at his home on West Hill, at 11:30 a. m. Tuesday forenoon, March 29, 1921, following a brief illness of less than two weeks. Mr. Smith has been a valued contributor to the Gazette, Columbus Junction IA for many years. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs. He was a ready speaker and for many years took an active part in political campaigns. As a neighbor, citizen and friends he was greatly admired by an ever widening circle of friends.

James R. Smith was born at Jamestown, Russell county, Kentucky, February 8, 1840. His parents were Jeremiah and Sarah Ann (Morris) Smith. At the age of eight years, in the fall of 1848, Mr. Smith came with his parents to Iowa, settling near Toolsboro. Here he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the country schools and the Grandview Academy. On the first of July 1861 he enlisted for the service of his country as a private in company C of the 5th Iowa Infantry. On the 25th of December, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Alice V. Ross and they went to housekeeping on a farm in Grandview township. To them one son was born, James D., who was killed in Waco, Texas in 1906. The mother survived the birth of her child but a few weeks.

September 15, 1886 he was united in marriage o Miss Emma Kern, daughter of G. F. Kern of this city. To them were born seven children, six of whom with the mother survive to mourn his death. They are: Earl,of this city; Mrs. Toley Baker, of Mt. Gilead, Ohio; Dick, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Mrs. Dale Edmondson, of this city; Dewey, a senior of the state University at Iowa City and Paul, a senior in the Columbus high school. One son, Fred, preceded him in death. He is also survived by three brothers, Thaley, Hershel and Dick. of Oklahoma and one sister, Mrs. D. L. McRoberts, of Columbus City.

Mr. Smith moved to this city from Grandview in 1872 and engaged in the mercantile business. He then resumed farming for several years, but continued to make this city his home and served for a number of years as mayor. He was a member of the Columbus Junction Lodge No. 365, I. O. O. F. Funeral services were held this afternoon at three o'clock at the home conducted by Rev. C. L. Wilson. Interment Columbus City.