Aberdeen Daily News Thursday, Nov 27, 1913
VETERAN ANSWERS LAST CALL
Homer J. Smith, Brown County Pioneer, Summoned by Death Last Night
Homer J. Smith of Columbia, a veteran of the Civil War and a Brown county pioneer, died last night at 9:30 o’clock at his home from old age. He was 82 years of age. The funeral arrangements have not yet been made, but in all probability the funeral will be held Saturday or Sunday afternoon from the Congregational church at Columbia, Rev. Mr. Holder of Westport officiating.
Homer J. Smith was born in New York City, May 11, 1831, and married to Miss Rozilla Wheelock there August 28, 1853. He served with a New York regiment for three years during the Civil War.
In 1882 he came to Dakota, settling one and one-half miles north of Putney where the family resided until moving to Columbia ten years ago, where they have since made their home. The husband and wife celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary last August, and the day following Mr. Smith was taken ill and was confined to his bed ever since. Three children survive, Mr. C. E. Corry, Pasadena, Cal.; Emma Smith and A. H. Smith of Columbia.
Mr. Smith was a member of the G. A. R. post at Groton and a devout member of the Congregational church.
~Transcribed by volunteer researcher, Kathy Smith