List of Notes and Resources               Christopher Smith Family Page

Notes on Christopher Smith

From "The History of Fayette County, Iowa", (1878)

          Smith, Christopher, farmer, Sec. 16; P.O. Oelwein; born in Yorkshire, England, in 1827; located in Wisconsin in 1855, and in this county in 1862. He married Miss Harriet Hanson, Dec. 25, 1864; she was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1847; have four children living--Millie Victoria, born Oct. 18, 1865; Jonas R., born April 12, 1870; Annie May, born July 3, 1873; Charles William, born July 16, 1876. He is a Republican. He owns 140 acres of land, beautifully located on an eminence, commanding a view of the town of Oelwein and the surrounding country, valued at $40 per acre.
From the Oelwein Register, December 1909.

OLD PIONEER CALLED
Chris. Smith, an Aged Citizen, Called Friday Afternoon

          Chris. Smith, one of the oldest citizens of Oelwein, passed away at his home in this city Friday afternoon at 2:15 after an extended illness. He was born and grew to manhood in England and came to this country over a half century ago. He was well known by all the older residents of this vicinity. The funeral will be held from the late home Sunday at 2 p.m. A complete obituary will be given later.
From the Oelwein Register, December 1909.

OBITUARY NOTICE OF CHRISTOPHER SMITH
Who Had Been a Resident of This Vicinity for Nearly a Half Century

          Christopher Smith died at his residence on N. Frederick street, Oelwein, Dec. 24, 1909, at the ripe old age of 82 years, 7 months and 17 days. He was born in Yorkshire, England, May 7, 1827. In 1855 he came to the U.S. and located near Fondulac, Wisconsin. In 1862 he came to Fayette county, Iowa, since which time he has lived in Oelwein and vicinity. He was married to Harriet Hanson Dec. 25, 1864. Their family consisted of eight children, four of whom have passed away. The living are Millie, Jonas, William and Fred, all of whom reside in the parental home. Mr. Smith was a man widely known and loved by all. He was of a genial disposition and one with whom it was a real pleasure to converse. He had been a great sufferer for a long time, having been obliged to sit in his chair day and night for several months. All that faithful loving hearts and hands could do was done, but death alone could give the release. He died in the full belief of the saving power of Christ and of the happy home beyond the grave. His end was peaceful and typical of the sentiment of the blessed Christmas tide of "Peace on Earth Good Will to Men.
List of Notes and Resources               Christopher Smith Family Page               Top of Page