SMILEY, John

Date of birth:  19 Mar 1813 – Washington County, Virginia
Date of death: 23 May 1893 – Samaria, Johnson County, Indiana

The Franklin Democrat, Friday, June 2, 1893,
page 3 column 3

OBITUARY.

––––

John Smiley was born in Washington county, Va., March 19, 1813 and moved with his parents to Pulaski county, Ky., where he was married August 22, 1833, to Mary A. Hudson. Unto them were born fifteen children, eight boys and seven girls, ten of whom, with the mother, are now living. In 1871 the family moved to Johnson county, Ind., where they have since resided. Mr. Smiley’s death occurred May 23, 1893, at the home of A. H. Richardson, in Samaria. His remains were laid to rest in the graveyard at Spurnica church, Brown county.

The deceased became a member of Rocklick United Baptist church Ky., in 1836 and after coming to this county united with the Christian church in 1874, at Nineveh. He was ever faithful to his profession of faith. While att­ending him constantly through his late sickness I was impressed by his Christian fortitude and especially his last words. A short time before his death I gave him some milk in a teaspoon but he could not swallow it. Looking at me intently he said, “That is all the milk I will ever need.” Then he said, “Lay me down upon my pillow.” This being done he said: “Aleck, I see people. Can’t they pass around me?” “Yes” was my answer. “Are you here yet,” he asked, “Stay with me.” A few moments later reaching me his right hand, he said: “Liff has come and I must go.” Liff was his brother, who had been dead about ten years and who was formerly a minister of the United Bap­tist church. No sooner had these words been spoken than he sank back and dropped into the quiet sleep of death and his spirit took flight to God who gave it. The deceased leaves his com­panion of sixty years, ten children, many grandchildren and a host of friends to mourn his loss. Eighty years, two months and four days was the length of his sojourn in this world. He has gone where sorrow is not known and where labor ceases and the weary find rest.
A. H. RICHARDSON.
Samaria, Ind.

CARD OF THANKS

I desire herewith to tender my most heartfelt thanks to all those kind neighbors and friends who assisted in caring for the deceased during his sickness at my home.

A. H. RICHARDSON.

Link to John Smiley’s grave

Submitted by Mark McCrady and Cathea Curry