Smith, William Fitch 1822 - 1911

SMITH, FRISBY, SAWYER

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 8/2/2023 at 15:11:30

Source: Decorah Republican Apr. 20, 1911 P7 C3

A telegram was received last Friday announcing the death of W. F. Smith at Santa Barbara, Cal., where Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Jennie were spending a few weeks. The body is being accompanied home by Mrs. Smith and Miss Jennie and will arrive over the Rock Island to-night. The funeral will occur from the family residence to-morrow (Wednesday) at 2 o’clock p. m. Biography and extended notice next week.

Source: Decorah Republican Apr. 27, 1911 P2 C5
OBITUARY.
William Fitch Smith was born in Portage, Livingston county, N. Y., Feb. 19, 1822. Died in Santa Barbara, Cal., April 14, 1911. In 1854 Mr. Smith entered land in Winneshiek county In 1854-5 he was a student in Rush Medical college and later practiced medicine in Fayette county for a short time. He was married to Maria Frisby of Westport, N. Y., September 27, 1863, in Wagner, Clayton county Iowa. Four children were born, Alice K., who died in 1891, Andrew F., Sarah M. and Jennie M., who, together with the mother and two grandchildren, Dwight and Agnes Sawyer, survive him. Mr. Smith was one of the oldest educators in N. E. Iowa. Quite a number of the present residents of this vicinity were his pupils. On account of his teaching a number of years, he received the title of “Prof.” Smith, by which he was familiarly known. Politically he was a Republican and was much interested in the progressive movement. In declining years he was almost a constant reader, and was keenly interested to the last in public affairs and kept himself well informed on current topics of the day. Soon after their marriage in 1863 they commenced housekeeping in Castalia, where they made their home for seven years, after which they moved to the farm one mile west of Castalia, where they have since resided. For a number of years it had been his wish to visit California and last winter his desire was realized, January, 1911, he started for California, accompanied by his wife and daughter Jennie. Mr. Smith suffered a severe attack of bronchitis en route and they were delayed in Osage City, Kas., several weeks. Regaining his usual health, he was stricken with erysipelas at Santa Barbara, Cal., and passed away after a week’s illness April 14, 1911, aged 89 years, 2 months and 4 days. One of the greatest pleasures of his trip was a visit to an old friend and schoolmate with whom he recounted many scenes and incidents of childhood. In youth he was baptised and confirmed in the Episcopal faith.

Source: Decorah Republican Apr. 27, 1911 P6 C3

The body of W. F. Smith arrived home last Tuesday from Santa Barbara, Cal., where he died April 14. The remains were accompanied by Mrs. Smith and Miss Jennie. The funeral occurred from the family residence Wednesday, April 19th, the Rev. Tipton officiating. A large number of neighbors and friends were present to pay their last respects to the deceased. The body was interred in the Bloomfield cemetery. Biography and further notice in another column.

Bloomfield Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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