SMUTZ, Benjamin Randall: Died 19343

SMUTZ, COOK, MCVEIGH

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 1/29/2017 at 21:29:05

**Handwritten: 1838-1934

BENJAMIN RANDALL SMUTZ

Benjamin Randall, son of David and Eleanor Smutz, was born Dec. 15, 1838, in Westmoreland county, Pa., and passed away at his home Monday evening, Jan. 15, 1934, at the age of 95 years and 1 month. With his parents he moved to Iowa in 1855.

He enlisted in the Union army in the Civil war and served from the beginning in 1861 to the close in 1865 with Co. F., 14th Infantry of Iowa.

In Sept. 1865 he married Sarah Jane Cook in Hillsboro, and soon afterward they moved on the farm where he has lived ever since. To them were born three children, Lola, John H. and Willis A. The mother died in 1875.

In 1876 he married Emily Catherine McVeigh, who departed this life in 1927. To them were born three sons, Ray L., Bert and Sam S.

In early manhood he united with the Baptist church as a charter member and continued faithful until death. He was a member of John L. Jordan Post of the G.A.R. and for several years Commander of the Post. He is the last one of the Post and the last one of his father's family of eight children. He was a quiet home loving man, a kind helpful neighbor and held the respect of all. He is survived by his daughter, Lola of Hillsboro, and three sons, Ray of Fairfield, Bert of Devil's Lake, N. Dak., and Sam of Stockport; also by 22 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted from the Hillsboro Baptist church by the pastor, C.E. Strong. Mrs. H.D. Tade, Mrs. C.C. Watts, Dr. Graves and Rex Carter furnished the music, accompanied by Mrs. C.E. Stong. Six grandsons acted as pall bearers and burial was made in the Hillsboro cemetery beside his wife with whom he had lived for more than 50 years. A final salute was fired by representatives of the American Legion.

Those attending from a distance were Mrs. Myrtle Hampton and son, Brule of Rock Island; Alfred McVeigh and son, Leo, and wife and Mrs. Myrtle Gregory of Montrose; Rev. R.V. Felt and wife of Gravity, Iowa, Mrs. H.B. Spurrier and son, Harry of Rockford, Ill., and Mrs. Nellie Smutz and son of Ames.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book H, Page 91, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA