Clara Johnson Smith 1849 - 1922

JOHNSON, SMITH, CHRISTY, BOGLE

Posted By: Volunteer: Stacey Swierk
Date: 9/13/2008 at 02:45:16

Date & Newspaper Unknown

Obituary of Clara Johnson Smith

Clara Johnson Smith was born at Bonaparte, Iowa, January 9, 1849, and passed from this earth at the Ottumwa hospital, July 6, 1922, having attained the age of 73 years, 5 months and 27 days.

She was the daughter of William J. Johnson and Mary J. Christy, of Bonaparte, being the second child of a family of eight. Of these eight children, five had preceded her in death, and two survive: George B. Johnson, of Ft. Worth, Texas, and Joseph A. Johnson, of Bonaparte, Iowa. She had always lived in Van Buren county, living in Bonaparte until 1877, when she removed with her husband to Keosauqua, where her home had been continuously since that date.

On February 22, 1871, she was married to George F. Smith, and their wedded life continued for one day over fifty years, her late husband having preceded her into the unknown world a little over one year, his death having occurred February 23, 1921. To this union two children were born: Mrs. W. I. Bogle, of Des Moines, and Miss Irene, of Keosauqua, both of whom were permitted to be with their mother during the period of her last illness. To this family was given the much more than usual exemption from the visitation of the dread angel of death, for not until the death of Mr. Smith in February of last year was the family circle thus broken.

Mrs. Smith was a faithful and at all times consistent member of the Congregational church, constant in attendance upon its services until circumstances prevented her so attending. She was also a loyal member of Lynd Chapter No. 27, Order of Eastern Star, of Keosauqua.

Mrs. Smith was a woman of rare mental perception; well educated, having received her earlier education at Harris Academy in Bonaparte. She was a great reader, and always deeply interested in the affairs of the day. Her father and mother were both of that sterling type of the early pioneer, and she inherited much of those sterling characteristics from her parents, and exemplified them throughout her life. She was a remarkably strong character- positive and firm in her judgments- steadfast in following what she believed to be right. She had, however, with it all, a kindly sympathy for those in suffering, distress, or need. In the earlier day, (the rest is missing.)

[Photocopy of this obit is located on page 243 of Obit Book A found in the Van Buren County, IA Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA]