Rev. Felix J. Sanders conducted John O's funeral, writing of his life...copy provided by Dorothy Smithson of Owensboro, Kentucky.
Rev. Sanders writes: "J. O. Smithson, the eleventh child of pioneer parents, was born Nov. 3, 1863. His father was a Virginian and his mother came from County Derry in Ireland; from these sturdy pioneers this son was born. His father, William B. Smithson, and five of his uncles enlisted in the Army of Northern Virginia in the War between the States, and only one of the number returned home after the conflict, this being Lt. Alexander Campbell [Smithson].
Since his mother was now a widow with a large family of small children and had lost practically all of her property, it was imperitive for her to make a change so [that] a livelihood of the most conservative necessities could be provided. About this time a letter was received from a friend in Kentucky informing her that there was a place for her and the family, with work on a farm for the older children. Preparation began at once for the long journey which was to be made in a covered wagon across three mountain ranges, the distance being over a thousand miles.
For three months the family traveled toward the new home. This brave mother encouraged the family as they journeyed to the strange country, reaching the destination, Christian Co., Kentucky on Dec. 1, 1869. The older children began helping by doing such work as could be found on the farm; little John was placed in school. He was given the best advantages his mother could afford until he was fourteen years of age.
At this age circumstances compelled him to make his way into the world. For some years he worked as a farm boy, store clerk, and other jobs until an event came into his life that changed his entire future. This was his marvelous conversion, and what an experience it was that remained with him through his long useful life. He was licensed to preach on April 25, 1891, and at once began a life of preparation and service.
Five months after receiving his license as a local preacher, he was appointed at the Annual Conference at Cadiz, Kentucky, to his first charge, the Magnolia Mission. He joined the Conference in Owensboro, Kentucy in 1894 and served the following charges: Bardstown Junction, Kirkmansville, Bear Creek, Falls of Rough, Marion Circuit, Carrsville, Smithland, Calhoun, Owensboro Circuit, Third Street Owensboro, Litchfield, Vine Grove, Louisville Circuit, Allensville, Robards, Canmer, St. Luke, and Wheatcroft.
In 1892 he was married to Minnie Leigh Pickard and to this union there were nine children, six of whom survived: Austin P., John L., Jesse May (Mrs. Parker B. Button), Mollie T., Elmer R., and Ida Swint (Mrs. L. E. Ray). Thus for thirty-five years this man of God traveled over the Louisville Annual Conference serving the difficult charges with a devotion and faith that did not fail under the most trying experiences. There have been but few if any members of the Conference that possessed the unique character of J. O. Smithson, quick in repartee, kind and affectionate. He was a blessing to the many charges he served; mighty men heard his messages and he appealed to them by his strong manliness; little children ran to him and found a refuge and comfort from all their childish cares; he proclaimd a simple and profound gospel in such a way that all classes heard him gladly and were drawn closer to the kingdom.
He was a lover of nature and on his long rambles through forest and field he could observe and point out so many of the beauties of God's handy-work that the average individual failed to see. After his retirement, he lived with his daughter, Miss Molly, in their comfortable little home on Arbor Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky. While there, some of his greatest work was done. He was always busy, calling from house to house, preaching for his brethren, and in every way possible giving himself to the Kingdom of God. During his later years some of his brother ministers began to request him to write of his early experiences as an itinerant preacher so [that] future generations would know something of the life and difficulties of these men who labored on the hard charges in the years gone by. After some hesitation he finally consented to relate in his unique way many of his experiences and, as a result, the little book, BOTH FEET ON EARTH BUT LOOKING UP was completed. This book gives a rare picture of a rare servant of God.
On the morning of March 18, 1948, his immortal sprit took its flight to its home not made with hands eternal in the heavens. His funeral was conducted on March 19, 1948 by the writer in Pleasant Grove Church on the Owensboro Circuit. A large number of his brother preachers were present, and the earthly remains of a faithful old servant of God was laid to rest nearby in the quiet little cemetery. Such was the character of John O. Smithson; kind hearted, benevolent and just in all his dealings, an excellent citizen, an original thinker, and a bold, fearless, but judicious servant of God. Such was my brother minister, whose career has shed so much luster upon his age and country.
....Felix J. Sanders
PROVIDED BY Addie D. Rickey ON DECEMBER 9, 2011∼The Rev. J. O. SMITHSON, 84, retired Methodist minister, died at St. Anthony's hospital, Louisville, at 1 a.m. Thursday. He had been making his home with his daughter Miss Mollie Smithson, of Louisville. Surviving also are children including: John L. Smithson, of Philpot; Austin Smithson, Franklin, Kentucky; Mrs. P. B. Button, Asheville, NC; Elmer Smithson, Louisville, and Mrs. L. D. Ray, Louisville.
The Rev. Mr. Smithson had served as a minister for more than t hirty-five years when he retired fourteen years ago. He had served as past or of the Third Street Methodist church, and of the Owensboro circuit.
The body will be brought to the home of John L. Smithson, of Philpot. Funeral services will be held at the Pleasant Grove Methodist church at 2:30 p.m. today with burial in the church cemetery.
"Owensboro, Kentucky, Messenger" Friday, March 19, 1948.
Rev. Sanders writes: "J. O. Smithson, the eleventh child of pioneer parents, was born Nov. 3, 1863. His father was a Virginian and his mother came from County Derry in Ireland; from these sturdy pioneers this son was born. His father, William B. Smithson, and five of his uncles enlisted in the Army of Northern Virginia in the War between the States, and only one of the number returned home after the conflict, this being Lt. Alexander Campbell [Smithson].
Since his mother was now a widow with a large family of small children and had lost practically all of her property, it was imperitive for her to make a change so [that] a livelihood of the most conservative necessities could be provided. About this time a letter was received from a friend in Kentucky informing her that there was a place for her and the family, with work on a farm for the older children. Preparation began at once for the long journey which was to be made in a covered wagon across three mountain ranges, the distance being over a thousand miles.
For three months the family traveled toward the new home. This brave mother encouraged the family as they journeyed to the strange country, reaching the destination, Christian Co., Kentucky on Dec. 1, 1869. The older children began helping by doing such work as could be found on the farm; little John was placed in school. He was given the best advantages his mother could afford until he was fourteen years of age.
At this age circumstances compelled him to make his way into the world. For some years he worked as a farm boy, store clerk, and other jobs until an event came into his life that changed his entire future. This was his marvelous conversion, and what an experience it was that remained with him through his long useful life. He was licensed to preach on April 25, 1891, and at once began a life of preparation and service.
Five months after receiving his license as a local preacher, he was appointed at the Annual Conference at Cadiz, Kentucky, to his first charge, the Magnolia Mission. He joined the Conference in Owensboro, Kentucy in 1894 and served the following charges: Bardstown Junction, Kirkmansville, Bear Creek, Falls of Rough, Marion Circuit, Carrsville, Smithland, Calhoun, Owensboro Circuit, Third Street Owensboro, Litchfield, Vine Grove, Louisville Circuit, Allensville, Robards, Canmer, St. Luke, and Wheatcroft.
In 1892 he was married to Minnie Leigh Pickard and to this union there were nine children, six of whom survived: Austin P., John L., Jesse May (Mrs. Parker B. Button), Mollie T., Elmer R., and Ida Swint (Mrs. L. E. Ray). Thus for thirty-five years this man of God traveled over the Louisville Annual Conference serving the difficult charges with a devotion and faith that did not fail under the most trying experiences. There have been but few if any members of the Conference that possessed the unique character of J. O. Smithson, quick in repartee, kind and affectionate. He was a blessing to the many charges he served; mighty men heard his messages and he appealed to them by his strong manliness; little children ran to him and found a refuge and comfort from all their childish cares; he proclaimd a simple and profound gospel in such a way that all classes heard him gladly and were drawn closer to the kingdom.
He was a lover of nature and on his long rambles through forest and field he could observe and point out so many of the beauties of God's handy-work that the average individual failed to see. After his retirement, he lived with his daughter, Miss Molly, in their comfortable little home on Arbor Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky. While there, some of his greatest work was done. He was always busy, calling from house to house, preaching for his brethren, and in every way possible giving himself to the Kingdom of God. During his later years some of his brother ministers began to request him to write of his early experiences as an itinerant preacher so [that] future generations would know something of the life and difficulties of these men who labored on the hard charges in the years gone by. After some hesitation he finally consented to relate in his unique way many of his experiences and, as a result, the little book, BOTH FEET ON EARTH BUT LOOKING UP was completed. This book gives a rare picture of a rare servant of God.
On the morning of March 18, 1948, his immortal sprit took its flight to its home not made with hands eternal in the heavens. His funeral was conducted on March 19, 1948 by the writer in Pleasant Grove Church on the Owensboro Circuit. A large number of his brother preachers were present, and the earthly remains of a faithful old servant of God was laid to rest nearby in the quiet little cemetery. Such was the character of John O. Smithson; kind hearted, benevolent and just in all his dealings, an excellent citizen, an original thinker, and a bold, fearless, but judicious servant of God. Such was my brother minister, whose career has shed so much luster upon his age and country.
....Felix J. Sanders
PROVIDED BY Addie D. Rickey ON DECEMBER 9, 2011∼The Rev. J. O. SMITHSON, 84, retired Methodist minister, died at St. Anthony's hospital, Louisville, at 1 a.m. Thursday. He had been making his home with his daughter Miss Mollie Smithson, of Louisville. Surviving also are children including: John L. Smithson, of Philpot; Austin Smithson, Franklin, Kentucky; Mrs. P. B. Button, Asheville, NC; Elmer Smithson, Louisville, and Mrs. L. D. Ray, Louisville.
The Rev. Mr. Smithson had served as a minister for more than t hirty-five years when he retired fourteen years ago. He had served as past or of the Third Street Methodist church, and of the Owensboro circuit.
The body will be brought to the home of John L. Smithson, of Philpot. Funeral services will be held at the Pleasant Grove Methodist church at 2:30 p.m. today with burial in the church cemetery.
"Owensboro, Kentucky, Messenger" Friday, March 19, 1948.
Rev. Felix J. Sanders conducted John O's funeral, writing of his life...copy provided by Dorothy Smithson of Owensboro, Kentucky.
Rev. Sanders writes: "J. O. Smithson, the eleventh child of pioneer parents, was born Nov. 3, 1863. His father was a Virginian and his mother came from County Derry in Ireland; from these sturdy pioneers this son was born. His father, William B. Smithson, and five of his uncles enlisted in the Army of Northern Virginia in the War between the States, and only one of the number returned home after the conflict, this being Lt. Alexander Campbell [Smithson].
Since his mother was now a widow with a large family of small children and had lost practically all of her property, it was imperitive for her to make a change so [that] a livelihood of the most conservative necessities could be provided. About this time a letter was received from a friend in Kentucky informing her that there was a place for her and the family, with work on a farm for the older children. Preparation began at once for the long journey which was to be made in a covered wagon across three mountain ranges, the distance being over a thousand miles.
For three months the family traveled toward the new home. This brave mother encouraged the family as they journeyed to the strange country, reaching the destination, Christian Co., Kentucky on Dec. 1, 1869. The older children began helping by doing such work as could be found on the farm; little John was placed in school. He was given the best advantages his mother could afford until he was fourteen years of age.
At this age circumstances compelled him to make his way into the world. For some years he worked as a farm boy, store clerk, and other jobs until an event came into his life that changed his entire future. This was his marvelous conversion, and what an experience it was that remained with him through his long useful life. He was licensed to preach on April 25, 1891, and at once began a life of preparation and service.
Five months after receiving his license as a local preacher, he was appointed at the Annual Conference at Cadiz, Kentucky, to his first charge, the Magnolia Mission. He joined the Conference in Owensboro, Kentucy in 1894 and served the following charges: Bardstown Junction, Kirkmansville, Bear Creek, Falls of Rough, Marion Circuit, Carrsville, Smithland, Calhoun, Owensboro Circuit, Third Street Owensboro, Litchfield, Vine Grove, Louisville Circuit, Allensville, Robards, Canmer, St. Luke, and Wheatcroft.
In 1892 he was married to Minnie Leigh Pickard and to this union there were nine children, six of whom survived: Austin P., John L., Jesse May (Mrs. Parker B. Button), Mollie T., Elmer R., and Ida Swint (Mrs. L. E. Ray). Thus for thirty-five years this man of God traveled over the Louisville Annual Conference serving the difficult charges with a devotion and faith that did not fail under the most trying experiences. There have been but few if any members of the Conference that possessed the unique character of J. O. Smithson, quick in repartee, kind and affectionate. He was a blessing to the many charges he served; mighty men heard his messages and he appealed to them by his strong manliness; little children ran to him and found a refuge and comfort from all their childish cares; he proclaimd a simple and profound gospel in such a way that all classes heard him gladly and were drawn closer to the kingdom.
He was a lover of nature and on his long rambles through forest and field he could observe and point out so many of the beauties of God's handy-work that the average individual failed to see. After his retirement, he lived with his daughter, Miss Molly, in their comfortable little home on Arbor Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky. While there, some of his greatest work was done. He was always busy, calling from house to house, preaching for his brethren, and in every way possible giving himself to the Kingdom of God. During his later years some of his brother ministers began to request him to write of his early experiences as an itinerant preacher so [that] future generations would know something of the life and difficulties of these men who labored on the hard charges in the years gone by. After some hesitation he finally consented to relate in his unique way many of his experiences and, as a result, the little book, BOTH FEET ON EARTH BUT LOOKING UP was completed. This book gives a rare picture of a rare servant of God.
On the morning of March 18, 1948, his immortal sprit took its flight to its home not made with hands eternal in the heavens. His funeral was conducted on March 19, 1948 by the writer in Pleasant Grove Church on the Owensboro Circuit. A large number of his brother preachers were present, and the earthly remains of a faithful old servant of God was laid to rest nearby in the quiet little cemetery. Such was the character of John O. Smithson; kind hearted, benevolent and just in all his dealings, an excellent citizen, an original thinker, and a bold, fearless, but judicious servant of God. Such was my brother minister, whose career has shed so much luster upon his age and country.
....Felix J. Sanders
PROVIDED BY Addie D. Rickey ON DECEMBER 9, 2011∼The Rev. J. O. SMITHSON, 84, retired Methodist minister, died at St. Anthony's hospital, Louisville, at 1 a.m. Thursday. He had been making his home with his daughter Miss Mollie Smithson, of Louisville. Surviving also are children including: John L. Smithson, of Philpot; Austin Smithson, Franklin, Kentucky; Mrs. P. B. Button, Asheville, NC; Elmer Smithson, Louisville, and Mrs. L. D. Ray, Louisville.
The Rev. Mr. Smithson had served as a minister for more than t hirty-five years when he retired fourteen years ago. He had served as past or of the Third Street Methodist church, and of the Owensboro circuit.
The body will be brought to the home of John L. Smithson, of Philpot. Funeral services will be held at the Pleasant Grove Methodist church at 2:30 p.m. today with burial in the church cemetery.
"Owensboro, Kentucky, Messenger" Friday, March 19, 1948.
Rev. Sanders writes: "J. O. Smithson, the eleventh child of pioneer parents, was born Nov. 3, 1863. His father was a Virginian and his mother came from County Derry in Ireland; from these sturdy pioneers this son was born. His father, William B. Smithson, and five of his uncles enlisted in the Army of Northern Virginia in the War between the States, and only one of the number returned home after the conflict, this being Lt. Alexander Campbell [Smithson].
Since his mother was now a widow with a large family of small children and had lost practically all of her property, it was imperitive for her to make a change so [that] a livelihood of the most conservative necessities could be provided. About this time a letter was received from a friend in Kentucky informing her that there was a place for her and the family, with work on a farm for the older children. Preparation began at once for the long journey which was to be made in a covered wagon across three mountain ranges, the distance being over a thousand miles.
For three months the family traveled toward the new home. This brave mother encouraged the family as they journeyed to the strange country, reaching the destination, Christian Co., Kentucky on Dec. 1, 1869. The older children began helping by doing such work as could be found on the farm; little John was placed in school. He was given the best advantages his mother could afford until he was fourteen years of age.
At this age circumstances compelled him to make his way into the world. For some years he worked as a farm boy, store clerk, and other jobs until an event came into his life that changed his entire future. This was his marvelous conversion, and what an experience it was that remained with him through his long useful life. He was licensed to preach on April 25, 1891, and at once began a life of preparation and service.
Five months after receiving his license as a local preacher, he was appointed at the Annual Conference at Cadiz, Kentucky, to his first charge, the Magnolia Mission. He joined the Conference in Owensboro, Kentucy in 1894 and served the following charges: Bardstown Junction, Kirkmansville, Bear Creek, Falls of Rough, Marion Circuit, Carrsville, Smithland, Calhoun, Owensboro Circuit, Third Street Owensboro, Litchfield, Vine Grove, Louisville Circuit, Allensville, Robards, Canmer, St. Luke, and Wheatcroft.
In 1892 he was married to Minnie Leigh Pickard and to this union there were nine children, six of whom survived: Austin P., John L., Jesse May (Mrs. Parker B. Button), Mollie T., Elmer R., and Ida Swint (Mrs. L. E. Ray). Thus for thirty-five years this man of God traveled over the Louisville Annual Conference serving the difficult charges with a devotion and faith that did not fail under the most trying experiences. There have been but few if any members of the Conference that possessed the unique character of J. O. Smithson, quick in repartee, kind and affectionate. He was a blessing to the many charges he served; mighty men heard his messages and he appealed to them by his strong manliness; little children ran to him and found a refuge and comfort from all their childish cares; he proclaimd a simple and profound gospel in such a way that all classes heard him gladly and were drawn closer to the kingdom.
He was a lover of nature and on his long rambles through forest and field he could observe and point out so many of the beauties of God's handy-work that the average individual failed to see. After his retirement, he lived with his daughter, Miss Molly, in their comfortable little home on Arbor Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky. While there, some of his greatest work was done. He was always busy, calling from house to house, preaching for his brethren, and in every way possible giving himself to the Kingdom of God. During his later years some of his brother ministers began to request him to write of his early experiences as an itinerant preacher so [that] future generations would know something of the life and difficulties of these men who labored on the hard charges in the years gone by. After some hesitation he finally consented to relate in his unique way many of his experiences and, as a result, the little book, BOTH FEET ON EARTH BUT LOOKING UP was completed. This book gives a rare picture of a rare servant of God.
On the morning of March 18, 1948, his immortal sprit took its flight to its home not made with hands eternal in the heavens. His funeral was conducted on March 19, 1948 by the writer in Pleasant Grove Church on the Owensboro Circuit. A large number of his brother preachers were present, and the earthly remains of a faithful old servant of God was laid to rest nearby in the quiet little cemetery. Such was the character of John O. Smithson; kind hearted, benevolent and just in all his dealings, an excellent citizen, an original thinker, and a bold, fearless, but judicious servant of God. Such was my brother minister, whose career has shed so much luster upon his age and country.
....Felix J. Sanders
PROVIDED BY Addie D. Rickey ON DECEMBER 9, 2011∼The Rev. J. O. SMITHSON, 84, retired Methodist minister, died at St. Anthony's hospital, Louisville, at 1 a.m. Thursday. He had been making his home with his daughter Miss Mollie Smithson, of Louisville. Surviving also are children including: John L. Smithson, of Philpot; Austin Smithson, Franklin, Kentucky; Mrs. P. B. Button, Asheville, NC; Elmer Smithson, Louisville, and Mrs. L. D. Ray, Louisville.
The Rev. Mr. Smithson had served as a minister for more than t hirty-five years when he retired fourteen years ago. He had served as past or of the Third Street Methodist church, and of the Owensboro circuit.
The body will be brought to the home of John L. Smithson, of Philpot. Funeral services will be held at the Pleasant Grove Methodist church at 2:30 p.m. today with burial in the church cemetery.
"Owensboro, Kentucky, Messenger" Friday, March 19, 1948.
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