Representative John Wood Smith View All Years

The House met pursuant to adjournment.

After the reading of the Journal Mr. Morton of Henry County announced to the House the decease of the Hon. John W. Smyth, late a member of this House from the county of Mahaska as follows:

MR. SPEAKER:—I take this occasion to announce formally to this House, the decease of the Hon. John W. Smyth, late a member of this Body from the county of Mahaska; who died at his lodgings in this City, on Saturday the 27th day of February 1847, but a few days after the adjournment of the General Assembly.

In the prime of life—loved and respected by all—loved for the many amiable and noble traits of character he possessed, and respected for the ability and integrity which marked his course, his career of usefulness was closed by one of those inscrutable and aflicting dispensations of Providence to which we must bow with resignation, even while we feel humbled and afflicted by the stroke.

How proper then, after the excitement and tumult of our organization have subsided,—to express calmly the feeling which this melancholy event has produced in our hearts.

In accordance with what I believe to be the sentiments of this House, I move the following resolutions:

Resolved—That a committee of three be appointed to address a letter of condolence to the widow and family of the deceased.

Resolved—That the members and officers of this House testify their respect for the deceased, by wearing the usual badge of mourning.