Caleb Smith (1847-1929)

SMITH

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/9/2008 at 16:10:09

CALEB SMITH 1847-1929
DIES MONDAY MORNING ILL JUST ONE WEEK

Caleb smith, one of the early pioneers of Western Iowa, died at his home in Avoca, Monday morning, aged 82 years, 6 months, and 22 days. Funeral services were held at the home Wednesday afternoon at 3 o’clock, with interment in the Avoca cemetery.

Caleb Smith was born at Middleburg, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1847. When he was 21 years old he came to Iowa locating in Shelby county in 1888 where he taught school and later served as superintendent of schools of that county. He also followed the occupation of farming and had considerable land holdings in both Shelby and Pottawattamie counties.

On January 4, 1875, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Pieffer. To this union two children were born, Lester and Miss Laura, both of Avoca. The family lived on a farm northeast of Avoca in Pottawattamie county for many years and in 1902 they moved to Avoca where they have since resided.

Caleb Smith was elected mayor of Avoca for two terms which office he administered with credit to himself and the city. He served as secretary of the Pottawattamie county Fair for four years.

Caleb Smith was one of the early pioneers of this section, coming here as a young man, he taught school in the winters and farmed in the summer. His honesty was never questioned in all his business deals. He was successful as a farmer, a good business man, and an excellent neighbor and friend. At the time of his death he owned several hundred acres of the best farm land in Shelby and Pottawattamie counties.

One week ago Mr. Smith had a stroke and never regained consciousness and early Monday morning passed away, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services were held at the home Wednesday afternoon with Rev. Sloan of the Congregational church officiating, assisted by the local I.O.O.F. Music was provided by a male quartette composed of Sam Garlow, Frank Vierhus Jr., Irwin Oxley and Earle Watson.

Surviving are the widow and two children and four grandchildren, Mrs. Waldo Morrison of Des Moines, Mrs. Rudolph Peters, Edwin Smith and Miss Martha, all of Avoca; and one sister, who on account of ill health was unable to attend the services.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald