Rev. John J. Smith Died 1912

SMITH

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/2/2018 at 13:07:10

Sioux City Journal
25 January 1912

Rev. Dean Smith Dies In His Home
After Long Life
Oldest Priest in the Sioux City Diocese Dies in the Rectory at Emmetsburg, Iowa
Had Spent 41 Years Here
Come to Iowa When State Was in Uncivilized State and Had Many Adventures On Prairie

Special to The Tribune
Emmetsburg, Iowa, January 25—Very Rev. John J. Smith, the oldest priest in the Sioux City diocese of the Catholic Church, died this morning at his home in Emmetsburg, ages 76 years. His health had been failing all during the winter and he had been unable to leave his home since last fall. He was dean of the Emmetsburg deanery which is an irremovable rectorship.

Rev. Father Smith came to Iowa 41 years ago and settles in the vicinity of Emmetsburg where he has since made his home. His work as a priest carried him over all of western and northwestern Iowa and often into Minnesota. His life as a missionary on the prairies contained adventures like those of an explorer. He covered his large parish on horseback depending upon the generosity of his people to care for himself and his horse. He was a familiar figure in a heavy buffalo coat which served as a bed at night when it was impossible to find shelter. On two occasions he was compelled to spend the night on the prairies while blizzards were raging. He was one of the best known men in northwestern Iowa.

The news of Rev. Father Smith’s death was received in Sioux City by Rev. T.J. McCarty, chancellor of the diocese, in a telegram sent by Rev. C. P. Conway, who has been assistant priest at Emmetsburg since last July.

The funeral arrangements have not been made. A number of Sioux City clergymen are expected to attend the services which probably will be held at Emmetsburg.

It is not known who will be appointed pastor at Emmetsburg and it probably will be several months before an announcement is made. Until the appointment is made, Rev. Father Conway will have charge of the parish.