Joseph Allen Smith 1843-1914

SMITH, ALLEN, PARKINS, PHILBRICK, PARSONS, FARMER

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 2/18/2025 at 13:18:13

The Wapello Republican, Columbus Junction, IA
Thursday, October 1, 1914
Page 1

Joseph Allen Smith, who suffered a paralytic stroke about three weeks ago under usually dangerous circumstances, passed away at his home here Monday night. Mr. Smith was stricken with paralysis while fishing in the Iowa river three weeks ago and fell from his boat into the river where but for the presence and prompt assistance of a number of other men he would have drowned. He was taken from the water and carried to his home where he has laid in critical condition for the past three weeks.

Joseph Allen Smith, son of John P. and Hannah (Allen) Smith, was born near Salem, Salem county, New Jersey, March 26th, 1843. In early boyhood, he with his parents, removed to Illinois, settling in Scotland township, McDonough county. when only eighteen years of age he enlisted as a private in Co. I., 78th Regiment Illinois Volunteers. He was taken prisoner and for more than nineteen months languished in southern prisons. His eyesight was impaired for the remainder of his life as a result of the privations then endured.

On the 10th of February, 1868, he was married to Miss Catherine Parkins, who died in February, 1901. To them were born two daughters, both of whom survive him and who were permitted to reach his side and greet him before he passed away. They are Miss Anna H. Smith of Los Angeles, California and Mrs. Joseph Philbrick of Newbury Port, Massachusetts. On the 1st of November, 1911, he was married to Mrs. Mary E. Parsons of Wapello, Iowa, who is now left to mourn his loss. Besides these he is survived by a sister, Mrs. Edgar M. Farmer, of Colchester, Illinois, and brother, Washington Smith, of Kewanee and Benjamin F, Smith of Bardolph, Ill.

In early manhood he united with the first Baptist church of Macomb, Illinois and his life was always a reflection of the religion he professed. He was active in church work, serving as Deacon in his church for many years. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias and also of the Order of Odd Fellows, being affiliated with the latter for more than forty years. He was also a member o the G. A. R. being affiliated with the Post at Wapello.

For over twenty-seven years he was in the mercantile business in Macomb, Ill. Later moving to Chicago, he again engaged in business for about four years. When married to Mrs. Parsons he removed to Wapello where he enjoyed the rest which comes as a result of honest activity. Although a resident of Wapello but for a period of three short years, he in that time, so impressed himself upon on the people of the place that all feel that in his going away they have lost a friend. He was a model husband, a kind indulgent father, a loyal friend, a patriotic citizen.

The funeral services were held in the home at Wapello, on Wednesday, September 30th, at 1 p. m. in charge of the Rev. A.W. McBlain, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church, assisted by the Rev. E.C. Brooks of Columbus Junction. After the church services, G.A. R. held a brief service. The remains were taken to Macomb, Ill., on the 1st of October, where the burial was held under the auspices of the Odd Fellow Lodge. A brief service was held in the chapel of the cemetery by the pastor of the Baptist church in Macomb, of which Mr. Smith was a member.