Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1903-05-21
PASSING OF HON. J. M. SMITH
In His Death Mineral Point Loses
One of her Oldest and Most
Beloved Citizens.
FUNERAL ON SUNDAY.
One ofthe Largest in the History of
the City.


every living thing of nature takes OF
new life and vigor. the spirit of Hon
j. M. Smith departed Cor the Land OF
the Leal, the home of the just. His
death was not unexpected as he had
been in failing health for some time
History says: appointment on the
roll of true and good men weaind the
name of John Montgomery Smith, a
native of Pennsylvania. He was
born at Big Springs, Buford county
February 26, 1884 came to Wiscon
sin with his father, Gen. William r.
Smith, in January. 1888, and settled
at Mineral Point. He received &
common school education, but de.
pended principally on his father for
instruction and aid in prosecuting
his studies, taking up regular
course of reading preparatory to
studying law and applied himself
diligently in this way until 1862,
when he made an overland trip to
California. He returned to Wiscon-
sin in 1856 and resumed his legal
studies at Madison, where he spent
two years in the Attorney Generals
office while his father held that po-
sitioD. He returned TO Mineral Point
in 1859, ahd soon after entered the
law office of Hon. J. II. Cleary, where
he remained until 1862, when he was
duly admitted to the bar, and since
that time practiced his chosen pro-
fession with success. Shortly after
being admitted to the bar he formed
a partnership with Judge Crawford
which was terminated by the judges
death. Later he was in partnership
with VIM. f. Henry in the law bust
ness.
"In politics Mr., Smith was a dem
ocrat. He served two terms as dis
trict attorney of Iowa county, and
was nominated by reclamation for a
third term, but declined, as his law
practice had increased 50 much he
had not the time to attend to the
duties of the Office. He was also cleo
ted city superintendent of schools,
was twice elected mayor of the city
of Mineral Point, and WA the Dem
ocratic candidate for attorney gem
eral in 1879. During the first Cleve-
land administration Mr.. Smith was
delegated by the President to go to
Utah and Arizona, to negotiate a
treaty with the Ute Indians. He was
successful in the mission, and during
Mr.. Cleveland's second administra-
ton he was sent to Minnesota to
complete like treaty with the Chip
pewa Indians, which was also sue
cessful. In 1899 he was elected mem
Der of assembly for the Iowa county
district and was one of the brightest
and popular lights of that body.
"Mr. Smith was twice married. The
first time in 1862 to Antonio Hide
brand, who died in 1868. In Novem-
Der, 1870, he was married to Mrs
Jennie Crawford, who died in August
1893. His family consists of a son by
his first wife, r. Montgomery Smith
of st. Paul, Mimi, and daughter by
his second wife, Mrs. II. n. Latin OF
Milwaukee,
Deceased possessed to a marked de-
gree genial, warm-hearted dispo-
sition, and numbered as friends ev-
cry man, woman and child who
knew him. The community grieves
over the loss of this beloved and ad-
mired citizen whose memory and ex-
allied example will remain fadeless
and undimmed as one OF the clearest
and brightest shining spheres in
heavens dome,
Mr.. Smith was brought up and
trained in the Episcopal church, his
.ather and grandfather being very
deyout members of the same. One
of his ancestors took leading par
in the necessary revision Of the Eng
lish prayer book at the close Of the
American revolution, which the
change in political conditions de
| manded. All this brought Mr.. Smith
| into close relationship and sympathy
with Trinity Episcopal church o
this city, and so for years as one o
the vestry and clerk he was identi
| fed with it. His interest and loyalt,
to it never wavered. He was mos
liberal in its support and regula
attendant at its services. At p. m
on Sunday the body was taken t.
the church and laid in state unit
2:3O when the casket was closed anC
the regular services were held. Th'
floral tributes were numerous ant
| o~oact;analIv booufiful apd tho "a q