Smith - John W.- d 1901
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, February 1, 1901
John W. Smith was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, near Lancaster, January 1st, 1827, departed this life Jan. 25 1901, aged 71 years and 24 days. He was the only child of John Smith, who was of Scotch descent, born in Kentucky, and Mary Smith, of Welsh descent born in Maryland His father was killed by a falling tree in 1829. His mother was married again and unto them were born eight children, two boys and six girls, of whom four are living, two boys and two girls. At the age of 12 years he came with his mother and stepfather to Tippecanoe county, Ind., and on the 18th day of August, 1846, at Lafayette, he enlisted as a soldier in the Mexican war. He served under Capt. S. S. Tucker in company K, mounted riflemen, and was honorably discharged in the City of Mexico on May 12th 1848. At the outbreak of the civil war he enlisted, volunteering on the 6th of December, 1861 serving under Captain Gregory in company E, 7th Kansas cavalry, and received honorable discharge at Humboldt, Tennessee, June 15th, 1862. John W. Smith was married twice. He was married Dec. 5, 1850, to Elizabeth Dillon. To them was born one child, Martha, who died in infancy. His wife died Jan. 5, 1852. On Aug. 1st, 1852, he married Harriet J. Smith, who survives him. To bless this union were born ten children, Henry, James, Charles,Elizabeth. Jane, Frank, Francis, Amanda, Myrtle and Thomas. Of these five are dead and five living, Elizabeth, Frances and Thomas dying in infancy. Amanda died of consumption April 2, 1892, aged 23 years and 19 days, and Myrtle died of blood poison Oct. 29, 1899, aged 27 years, 2 months and 23 days. He united with the Christian Union church at Whitesville in April 1882. He had been a sufferer from Bright's disease for many years, contracted from injuries which he received in the civil war, but had been confined to his bed only about six months. A battle fought, a victory gained, has earned a sweet repose. As the sun sends forth most beautiful rays at setting, so in his last affliction beamed forth his faithful patience with ethical beauty a well filled life besetting. He leaves a wife, two half sisters, two half brothers, four sons, one daughter, eleven grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn the loss of a kind and loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, neighbor and friend. -- thanks to Kim H =