OLD PIONEER GONE

Uncle John Smith Dead. Had Been a Resident of this Township for Sixty-Three Years.

Deacon John L. Smith died at his home in Leaf River, Illinois January 24, 1902 age 69 years 9 months and 22 days. He was born in Washington Co. Maryland; came to Ogle County, when 7 years old. He had through a life of hard toil, and frugality laid up in store, a competency for himself and family. He was married to Susan A. Myers October 3, 1854. To this union were born five children. He was converted and joined the North Grove Christian Church in 1857 and ever remained an earnest consistant Christian.

In 1892 when the Leaf River Christian Church was organized he was one of the charter members and was chosen to the office of deacon which place he held, and faithfully discharged the duties of that office until death.

In the death of deacon John L. Smith the church, Sunday School and Christian Endeavor sustain an irreparable loss. Brother Smith was a firm believer in the word of God and as such was guided by its precepts, and died as he had lived, fully trusting in the Lord. He leaves a wife, two daughters, one son and a large circle of relatives to mourn their loss.

Funeral services in the Christian Church at Leaf River by the writer, assisted by Rev. G.A. Brown of Ashton, Illinois, and Rev. Charles Richter of Forreston.
R.W. Pitman

Contributed by Carol Palmer Schmidt

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