Mustered Out

Death came to Comrade Martin Van Buren Smith, at his home on South Second street, Wednesday night after a long illness. He was aged 78 years and was among the early settlers in Verdigris valley southeast of the city, near Brown’s ford, where he lived until recent months, when he moved to town to be where a physician could see him frequently. He is survived by his widow and six children: Mrs. Frank Griffin, Collinsville, Okla.; Mrs. Seward Clark, Newkirk, Okla.; F. H. Smith, Parsons; Mrs. Will Fortner; Wesley E. Smith and B. C. Smith of this city. The funeral was held at the United Brethren, with address by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Hall. Interment by McPherson Post comrades. He was a Pennsylvanian, came to Kansas early and when the civil war broke over the country Mr. Smith volunteered and served in the famous Seventh Kansas Cavalry which spread terror to enemies in this country wherever they went. After his discharge he came to this county and was a prominent citizen for thirty years and until health began to fail. He was a member of the Untied Brethren church and often testified of the assurance of his acceptance by the Lord.

Contributed by Mrs. Maryann Johnson a Civil war researcher and a volunteer in the Kansas Room of the Independence Public Library, Independence, Kansas