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William Smith (1904)

CONNER, HOLENSHEAD, HOLLINGSHEAD, SMITH, WILLIAMS

Posted By: Kent Transier
Date: 9/1/2012 at 12:33:03

The Monitor
Little River, Rice County, Kansas
December 1904

DEATH OF WILLIAM SMITH

WILLIAM SMITH, born in Kentucky, January 18, 1820, died at Little River, Kansas, December 22, 1904; aged 84 years, 11 months and 4 days.

In 1829 his parents moved to Illinois, where he remained until 1857, when he emigrated to Iowa, where he remained until 1874, when he came to Kansas, locating on a homestead near Mitchell. He was married to Ellen Williams Holenshead in 1852. To them were born six children, all of whom are living and are a credit to a worthy father and mother - J H Smith resides in Texas; W T Smith, Mitchell, Kans; Mrs Martha J Conner, Mitchell, Kans; R H Smith, principal of the public schools of Bushton, Kans; Dr E O Smith, Marquette, Kans; and Dr F R Smith, Little River, Kansas. He leaves a devoted and loving wife who has stood faithfully by him for over fifty years.

Father Smith, or "Uncle Billy" as he was more generally known, was converted at the age of 16 in a camp meeting conducted by Peter Cartwright. He carried with him all through life that same old-time fire and loyalty to God and church that was so characteristic in the old-time Methodist. For over seventy years he stood a firm advocate of the principles of the church of his choice and the cause of Christianity in general.

When he first came to Kansas he organized a Sunday-school in his own home where his neighbors met every Sunday for Sunday-school and preaching. This was kept up until a school house could be built, and from this beginning the Mitchell class was organized, and the Mitchell church, which was one of the prides of his life, was erected in 1894. He served the church faithfully, filling many offices in the church, such as stewardship, trustee, class leader and teacher. About thirteen years ago, when his strength began to fail, he moved to Lyons where he could be closer to church and about one year ago he moved to Little River, where he could be nearer the watchful care of his son, Dr E R Smith.

Father Smith was not only a soldier of the cross, but a soldier for his country. He enlisted in 1864 in company F, Fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry; was with Sherman on his march to the sea, was in the battle of Ft McAlester and the grand review at Washington at the close of the war.

His home was a home for the Methodist preacher. He believed in reading the church papers, not only the Christian Advocate but also the Epworth Herald, and constantly rejoiced in the progress of the church.

He was one of six brothers, three having preceded him in death. The other two, Job and Elijah, aged 92 and 80 years, respectively, after a few more short, battles at best, will join the beloved brothers on the other shore.

The funeral sermon was preached by the pastor, Rev J A Holmes, in the Methodist church of Little River, at 1:30 pm, Christmas, a large congregation being in attendance. He took for his text verses 7 and 8 of the 4th chapter of Timothy: "I have fought a good fight I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only but unto all them also that love his appearing."

The remains were laid to rest in the Bean Cemetery, members of the GAR Post, Little River, having charge of the burial ceremonies.

The bereaved family have the sympathy of friends throughout the county.
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Transcriber's note: The Smiths lived in Madison County, Iowa, from 1857 to 1874.

Gravesite
 

Madison Obituaries maintained by Linda Griffith Smith.
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