Catherine Tully Smith 1835-1908

TULLY, SMITH, DEFORD, STRUBLE, NORRIS, FRITZ, PRICE, WARNER, LEASE

Posted By: Volunteer - Karen DaPra
Date: 10/11/2002 at 23:01:05

OBITUARY

Catherine Tully Smith was born in Pottsville County, Penn., June 3, 1835 and died at her home Monday evening, April 6, 1908, aged 72 years, 10 months and 3 days.

About 1848 she came with her parents in St. Louis, Mo., and on Oct. 5, 1850 was united in marriage to John Smith. She and her husband came to Iowa in 1851 and settled on what is now known as the John DeFord farm. In the spring of 1864 they sold that farm and in the fall of the same year purchased the homestead on which they continued to live until called to the beyond. The husband died Aug. 28, 1899.

There were born to them thirteen children, Margaret Struble died in 1895, Anna Norris and William Henry of Cantril; Alexander, of Chambersburg, Mo; Mary Ellen Fritz, of Scranton, Pa; John died when two years of age; Erwin S. died in 1892: Elizabeth Price of Bonaparte, Ia; Charles, Emma Warner, Tom, Frank and George of Cantril. All the living children were present at the services except Mary Ellen Fritz of Scranton, Pa., who was detained by sickness. There were also present a sister, Lydia Lease of Decatur, Ill., and a brother, Wm. Tully of Milton, Ia.

Grandma Smith was converted and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Cantril, under the pastorate of Rev. J. F. Robertson and continued a faithful member of the same until her death. Last February she came to Cantril hoping to be able to attend the special revival services but on account of la grippe was compelled to return home. About two weeks ago she was taken with a severe attack of pneumonia and on last Friday became very much worse and on the following Monday her body gave up the battle and she went home to her well earned rest. A noble woman has gone. She will be greatly missed but we would not call her back.

There remain a brother and sister, 10 children, 29 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren and a large circle of friends.

Funeral services were conducted from the home and at the Mt. Zion church by Rev. H. F. Gilbert, on Wednesday, April 8, 1908. A large company of sorrowing friends and neighbors were present.

(Photocopy of this obit is located on page 92 of Obit Book A found in the Van Buren County, IA Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library in March 2000. Name and date of newspaper not given.)

I am NOT related to this person and am posting this obit for those who may find him/her in their family history.

[Original Post 05 March 2000]