George W. Smithson

After an illness of many months George W. Smithson passed away last Friday. The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 at the Baptist Church, conducted b the pastor, Rev. Charles G. Wright. The singing was by a quartet consisting of P. L. Stephenson, Alex Moffatt, Miss Ethel Hickerson and Miss Lucile Wright. The pall bearers were members of the G.A. R. Post, of which the deceased was a member.

Mr. Smithson was born in Ohio November 4, 1844. he was married to Eliza J. Frazier October 25, 1866. In early life they came to Iowa and resided for a time at Leon, and later in 1881 came to Mount Ayr which has been their home ever since. Eight children were born to them, two daughters, the oldest and youngest, having died years ago. Besides the wife, who survives, are Frank Leslie of St. Joseph, MO., Mrs. Orphie Taylor of Centerville, Iowa; Mrs. Vinnie Trotter of Ellston, Iowa and Dallas, Bird and Tecumseh of Mount Ayr.

During his active years Mr. Smithson was a contractor and builder and as a mason assisted in the building of many of the structures around the square of Mount Ayr. Upon the breaking out of the Civil War the deceased responded to his country’s call and rendered valiant service. In early manhood he was converted and upon coming to this place became a member of the First Baptist Church of Mount Ayr and was for some years leader of its choir.