Surnames: SMITH HILLS VANCAMP HUTCHINS

----Source: LOYAL TRIBUNE (Loyal, Clark County, Wis.) 05/04/1911

Smith, Abram J. (6 NOV 1832 - 1 May 1911)

Died, at his home just outside the village limit (Loyal, Clark County, Wis.), Abram J. Smith at half past eleven on Monday, May 1, 1911, of bladder trouble at the age of seventy-eight years.

The deceased was born on Nov. 6, 1932, in Schoharie Co., N.Y. He lived there until about twenty-one years of age and then located at Iron Ridge, Dodge Co., Wis. He was married to Rosy J. Hills on Jan. 2, 1859, and lived in Dodge County until 1864, when they moved to Clark County and took up the homestead where he lived until the time of his death. His wife died on Feb. 7, 1890, and the oldest daughter died in 1898.

He came here with Henry Sitts and settled on Section 11 and Wm. Welsh and William Hills, who homesteaded on Section 10. There was nothing but wilderness here at that time.

Another name is stricken from the ever-lessening roll of our old settlers. His life work was done, and well done. He had passed his golden wedding day and wearied with life's duties and cares, weary of suffering and waiting, he lay down to rest. How much this community owes him and such as he, it is impossible to estimate. When he died, full of years, and ready to be gathered to his fathers, the grief that was felt over the close of his long career was widespread and sincere.

He leaves two sons, O. J. and C. D. Smith from here, and two daughters, Mrs. Ann Van Camp of the village of Unity and Mrs. Clara Hutchins of the town of Unity.

The funeral services were held yesterday at two o'clock at the M. E. Church and the remains buried in the Dodgeville Cemetery, which was named after the old settlers coming from Dodge County.