Iowa Old Press

Mt. Pleasant Free Press
Mount Pleasant, Henry Co, Iowa
16 Apr 1903

Peter J Smith
We were surprised to learn of the sudden death of Peter J Smith, which
occurred Sunday morning, April 12, 1903, at his home west of town. It was
but a few days ago that the was a pleasant caller at the Free Press office
giving us all a pleasant friendly greeting. He seldom came to town that he
did not make a visit and for many years our business relations, as well as
social relations, have been very pleasant.
P.J. Smith was born in the state of Indiana, July 12, 1830. He was therefore
in his 73rd year of his age at the time of his death. In 1853 Mr. Smith,
then 23 years of age, made the overland trip to California. From there he
soon after went to Oregon and engaged in farming. Next he returned to
California and for more than a year was engaged in mining. He next engaged
in freighting in California, Oregon, Idaho and Washington Territory. Later
he settled in Oregon and interested himself in stock raising and then in
merchandise. After fifteen years thus employed in the far West, he came to
Henry county in 1868 and purchased a farm in Marion township, where he lived
many years.
Mr. Smith was married to Lucy B. Crew April 26, 1869. This twain had five
children born to them, three of whom are now living.
Mr. Smith had the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He was
intelligent, well informed on all current topics, conscientious in all his
relations to others, industrious and in all respects reliable. The family
have the sympathy of friends and Mrs. Smith, the bereaved widow, is a member
of the Society of Friends and after the funeral the remains were taken to
Salem [IA] for interment.

Submitted by: #000525