John Samuel Smallwood

© Cheyenne Star

Submitted by: Wanda Purcell

John Samuel Smallwood was born in Missouri February 26, 1843 and departed this life June 11, 1923, near Elk City, Oklahoma, aged 80 years, 9 months and 15 days.

When he was young, Mr. Smallwood was married to a Miss Mariah A. Danner and a son and daughter were born to this union. They are Delbert Smallwood of Perrin, Missouri and Mrs. Delia Faucett of Nashville, Missouri. His wife died when the children were small.

Mr. Smallwood was married about fifty years ago to Mrs. Martha Ann Jackson Dolk in Clinton County, Missouri. Six children were born to them, four boys and two girls. One daughter, Mrs. Harrie Gordon died in 1912. The other children are Mrs. Leona M. Arganbright, Mrs. Mary Ethel Nesser, Mrs. Georgia J. Bailey and Emmett Burton Smallwood of Elk City, Oklahoma and Ernest Smallwood of Clovis, New Mexico.

Mrs. Smallwood died three years ago last October.

Mr. Smallwood has been at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Mary E. Nesser, for nearly three years where he received every attention. Part of the time he was helpless from having a stroke of paralysis over a year ago. His daughter and family did everything that loving hands and hearts could do to make his last days pleasant.

Mr. Smallwood was converted when a young man and joined the Methodist Church and lived a Christian life and during his illness remarked many times that he was ready to go at any time.

He came to Oklahoma in 1906, living seven miles southeast of Elk City, where he was held in highest esteem by his neighbors and friends. All knew him to be a straight and honest man, and if he said anything it could be depended upon, as being right. He will be sadly missed by his relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock at the First Methodist church, Rev. O. C. King officiating.

"Have Thine Own Way" was sung by the choir and a quartette "In the Garden" by Misses Hazel and Margaret Blackburn.

After prayer and sermon by Rev. King the choir sang "Sun of My Soul." The casket was covered with beautiful floral offerings.

The body was shipped to Plattsburg, Missouri for burial in the Brethren Church cemetery. Grubitz and Son being in charge.