J. R. Smith 1840 - 1921

SMITH, ROSS, KERN, BAKER, EDMONDSON, MCROBERTS

Posted By: Phyllis Hazen (email)
Date: 4/18/2018 at 13:30:02

The Muscatine Journal and News Tribune
Wednesday, 30 March 1921, page 8

Civil War Veteran Is Dead at Col. Jct.; Had Notable Record

Columbus Junction, Ia., March 30. – J. R. Smith, Civil war veteran, passed away at noon Tues. at his home on West Hill, after about a week’s illness. He was born at Jameston, Ky., February 8, 1840 and came with his parents to Toolesboro, Louisa county, in 1848. He attended the public schools and Grandview academy. In July, 1861, he enlisted in the Civil war as a member of Co. C. Fifth Iowa infantry. He was wounded at the battle of Iuka and was captured, made his escape, but was soon afterward recaptured.
In the battle of Mission Ridge, November 25, 1863, he was again seriously wounded, receiving gun shot in the right arm and the left shoulder. He was captured and held a prisoner one year and five days, receiving his liberty on parole November 30, 1864.
He was confined in Andersonville prison seven months, and while there resorted to various expedients by which to preserve his life. He was then taken to Charleston where he was held one month, after which he was removed to
Florence, S. C., where he remained until paroled. Reaction from the long nervous strain prostrated him on his return home and his life was despaired of several weeks. After recovery he purchased a farm in Grandview township. On December 25, 1866, he was married to Miss Alice Ross, who passed away October 21, 1885. He was married to Miss Emma Kern of Columbus Junction, September 15, 1886, who with his six children survive. Mrs. Foley Baker, Mt. Gilead, O.; Dick Smith of Sioux Falls, S. D.; Dewey of Iowa City; Earl, Paul and Mrs. Dale Edmondson of Columbus Junction. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. David McRoberts of Columbus City and three brothers, Thaley, Herschel and Dick, all of Oklahoma.
Mr. Smith came to Columbus Junction in 1872 and engaged in the grange business one year and has resided here continuously since 1878. Farming was his occupation the most of his life. He served a term as mayor of Columbus Junction from March, 1887, to March, 1888. He often addressed public gatherings of the vicinity and kept posted on the leading events of the day.
The funeral services will be held at the home at 3 o’clock Thursday afternoon, conducted by Rev. M. H. Ward. Interment was in Columbus City cemetery.

Note: James R. Smith