Hancock County Historical Society
Carthage, IllinoisSiegfried XIX
Page 135Leslie Smith Succumbs
To Brief Illness in
Macomb HospitalA throng of friends and relatives assembled at the Majorville church Sunday afternoon for the funeral of John Leslie Smith. This was a testimony of the esteem in which this popular man was held. He was a good and true friend to everyone and he will be greatly missed in the counsels of his political party, his church, his business circles and his family relationship. Great sympathy is felt for the family in this sorrow.
John Leslie, son of Jesse E. and Ida (Printy) Smith was born July 3rd, 1892 in Hancock township near Oak Grove and departed this life at St. Francis hospital in Macomb, Ill., June 7th, 1940 after a few day's serious illness.
On January 14th, 1915, he was happily united in marriage to Marie McGee of near Joetta. To this union four sons were born: Vernon of the Middle Creek community, Bernard, Wayne and Wendell at home.
In early manhood Leslie united with the Oak Grove Christian church and was always faithful in its support every way possible. He was of a very happy disposition and although he had been in failing health for quite a while he was never heard to complain and his sudden death was a great shock to his many friends and relatives. He spent his entire life near the place of his birth, as a farmer and stock raiser, also a very capable auctioneer and gained many friends who will sadly miss his happy smile and friendly greetings.
He was very efficient in sickness and trouble and was never too busy to lend a helping hand to those in need. He was a great helper in all community activities and gave of his talent in any way possible to make his surroundings a better place in which to live.
Besides his widow and four sons he leaves to mourn his passing, a daughter-in-law, Claris Smith and one grandson, Norman. His aged father, two brothers Frank and Merlin of Plymouth, three sisters, Mrs. Nannie Deitrick of Marietta, Ill., Mrs. Jessie Mosley and Mrs. Elva Carle both of Carthage, besides a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. His mother and one brother, Grover preceded him in death.
Funeral services were held Sunday, June 9th at 2:30 p. m. at Majorville Methodist Church, Rev. Fred Nichols of Carthage officiating. Burial in Majorville cemetery.
