Civil War Fighter Called To Reward

Capt. John Smith Passes Away Here - Had Distinguished Record In War Between States, Indian Campaigns.

Captain John R. Smith, who fought through the Civil war from beginning to end, distinguished himself at the siege of Vickburg and in other engagements of the armies of the west, and, who at the battle of Champion hill led his regiment as a flag bearer after he had seized the colors from the hands of a fallen soldier, died at 12:45 o'clock yesterday afternoon at the home of his daughters, Mrs. Omie Smith and Miss Bessie Smith, in Lewiston Orchards. Death came after an illness of two months and resulted from a general decline.

He was born at Hendrysburg, Ohio, April 25, 1844. He was married to Miss Agnes Delaney November 19, 1871.

Fought Indian Tribes

When the war ended Mr. Smith was engaged in freighting between St. Louis and Sedgwick, Neb., a journey made under most trying conditions, the middle west then being principally populated with Indians who were constantly at warfare. One of these trips at Horseshoe creek, Wyoming, Mr. Smith often recounted, he and four other men were attacked by a band of 66 Sioux Indians led by the noted warrior, Chief Crazy Horse, and after four days fighting managed to quell the invaders. In 1872 he was a member of Crook's campaign against the Indians and was cited for valorous conduct.

In Cattle Business

From 1878 until 1900 he was engaged in the cattle business in Wyoming and in 1909 he moved to Clarkston where he lived until his wife died three years ago then making his home with his daughters. He was a member of the G. A. R.

Besides his daughters here he leaves two sons, Alfred M. Smith and George E. Smith, both of Buffalo, Wyo.

The body is resting at the Brower-Wann parlors. funeral arrangements will not be completed until the sons in Wyoming are heard from.