Obituary: Winnebago County, Wisconsin: John Smith

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Submitted by Kathy Grace, <gendiva@charter.net> February 2005

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Winneconne Local Nov. 1, 1917 p.1

John Smith, who died last week, was born in Washington county on a farm and
when quite a young lad was thrown on the world to make good because at this
young age his mother had died- and every young fellow who loses a mother
knows he loses his home- leaving him to make a home of his own.

Deceased came to Winneconne in March, 1861, with his friend and fellow
townsman, Fred Klaus, Sr.  They started a shoe store on the east side of
the river, this then being the business side of the town.  The C.M. & St. P
R.R. came to Winneconne in 1869 and from year to year afterward the
business went to the west side.  Mr. Smith wished to move, and finally sold
his interests in the east side store to Mr. Klaus.  Then he built the brick
store building and operated a shoe store at the location for the past
eighteen years.

When Mr. Smith went into business he also took unto himself a young lady
partner, Miss Mary Leichert of La Crosse, the marriage ceremony being
performed in June that year.

There was no one in the country for miles around who did not know Mr. Smith
and everyone liked him.  When he took sick about a year ago much feeling
and anxiety was expressed for his welfare.  From time to time he would
recover and be about the store but each time deceased would do some work to
exhaust his weakened heart and each time nature would take him back to bed.
The last time he stated "I do not feel very good, but I only picked over
fifteen quarts of cranberries."  He did not think it would hurt him.  But
it was too confining for the length of time.  He had a rugged constitution,
much stronger than his heart.  This kept him up for many months, until last
Wednesday morning when he passed away.

Another case of nature endowing a man with too much energy.  He couldn't
let work alone.  He did not want to neglect himself.  He thought certain
things ought to be done and he took the chance and there is always a last
chance in life and it took him.  It will in time take anyone from this
earthly sphere.

The funeral was held Saturday afternoon from the home at 1:30 and from the
Baptist church at 2:00 o'clock.  Rev. Codd conducting the services and
preaching a very fitting eulogy to a church full of friends and neighbors.

Most all the business places in the village that could be, were closed out
of respect for a well liked and appreciated citizen and friend.  The
funeral procession was long and impressive, the remains being laid to rest
in the Winneconne cemetery.

Deceased leaves to mourn his loss, a sorrowing widow and two daughters,
Mrs. Ed Mader of Eau Claire and Mrs. W.C. Mayer of Winneconne.