Burial

From Matthew W. Waack mwaack@satx.rr.com Aug 2008:

This lone burial  is the grave of my great grand uncle Michael Smith Jr.  He died in his early twenties (abt 1883) of black small pox on a farm south of Grand Mound, IA.

His father was Michael Schmidt, a Civil War Veteran who died at the Nebraska Soldiers Home, Grand Island, Nebraska & is buried the Neb. Vet's Mem Cem, Grand Island, Nebraska The family moved to western Iowa after the death of their son.  His sister, Julia, married Charles Oehrlein of eastern Olive Tsp. SW of Grand Mound and remained in Clinton Co.

Michael served in the Civil War in Company E., 2nd Regiment, Iowa Cavalry beginning 5 Sep 1861 until discharge 31 Oct 1864. He served under Captain James P. Metcalf. He was a private until 1 Aug 1862 when he was appointed Farrier. He was also listed as "Blacksmith" during 1863. He served at Fort Pickering, TN. His description was given as being 5' 8" tall, light complexion, with gray eyes, brown hair and that he could read and write the English language.