A sad accident happened in Simpson township on last Thursday
evening, by which Thos. R. Smoot, a good citizen and well-known
farmer, lost his life. The main facts as we get them are about
as follows: Mr. Smoot and his daughter about 13 years of age left
their home near the Whiteside school house, some two miles on
this side of Simpson, traveling in a one horse buggy, to go to
a singing at the Simpson Baptist Church, and in passing Jack Richeson's
house not far from the church the horse took fright at an auto
standing in front of the house, as we get it, and ran away and
in making a sudden turn at a culvert in the road, Mr. Smoot was
thrown out falling at some distance striking a plank or some piece
of timber on his head, which fractured his skull. His daughter
was thrown out also, falling on or near her father, but was not
hurt much. This occurred about 8 o'clock that evening, and Dr.
T. B. Kerley was called to attend Mr. Smoot, but he was so badly
injured he passed away about 10:30 a.m. the next day. Drs. Brown
and Whiteaker were sent for and went out there the next morning,
as there was some thought of an operation, but as the patient
was sinking the operation was not performed.
The funeral was held at the grove near the home on Sunday at 11
o'clock, conducted by Eld. J. R. Tucker, with remarks by Elds.
B. A. McNeely and L.L.Smoot. the interment followed at the Odd
Fellows Cemetery on this side of Simpson, with Woodmen ceremonies
at the grave, the deceased being a member of the M. W. A. A large
concourse of people turned out to the funeral services, over 500
as we learn. Mr. Smoot was an active and faithful member of the
Simpson Baptist church, and a good upright man and a useful citizen
with a large circle of relatives and friends.
He was the oldest son of B. F. Smoot, about 41 years of age. He
leaves besides his parents, a wife and two children - daughter
and son- the latter seven or eight years of age.
He also leaves a younger brother, James, and likely a sister or
sisters. His now bereaved widow is daughter of J. Hamp Taylor,
of the same neighborhood.
This was certainly a very sad accident; but no ( paper torn) is
felt towards the auto or its owner, as we understand , as the
car was standing still out in front of the house. The grief stricken
relatives have the sincere sympathy of many friends. But we might
add that such sudden and unexpected happenings only give additional
evidence of the uncertainty of this life, and that the Grim reaper
may come to all of us without much if any previous warning. How
important it is to be ready."
This obituary is not dated. It was in my Great-aunt Mary Elizabeth's
collection.
The Johnson County History & Families book gives
the following information about Mr. Smoot's wife."The daughter
of Joseph Hampton Taylor (Feb. 25, 1844-July 22, 1932) and Kiddy
Eliza Harrell (Dec. 18, 1849- Aug. 26, 1921) was one of 11 children,
Cora Eliza (1877-1963) married Thomas Randolph Smoot (1875-1916)
and resided in Simpson Township with their three children Arthur,
Oren and Gladys (Darter).
"Cora Taylor Smoot was sister of Clara Alice (1889-1980)
Clara married Tellus T. Kerley (1887-1959). They resided at Robbs
and Simpson. He was a school teacher, proprietor of a general
Store in Simpson and also worked in the general store at Robbs.
They had one daughter, Pauline (1915-1985) who married Donald
Trotter (1912-1986) both being school teachers. They had no children."
Tellus is related to me through my maternal grandmother, Abigail
Bass.
I find that Cora Taylor Smoot 's brother was Thomas Arthur Taylor
(1886-1966) who married Lesta Choate April 25, 1909. One of their
daughters, Marjorie married my dad's brother, Cletis Morris. This
explains the family connection with the saved article. It's all
in the family! I heard someone say, "Every body is kin to
everybody in Southern Illinois."
Obituary from the files of my great aunt, Mary Elizabeth Simmons
Kerley (1863-1948)