Smith, J.W. (Lt) - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Word has been received here of the death of Lieut. J. W. Smith, in Cuba. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Smith, of Rock Falls, Ill. Mrs. Julius Smith was formerly Mrs. Mary Butler, sister of the late Mr. John M. Butler. She attended years ago the Crawfordsville female seminary, a pupil of Rev. James H. Johnston and other efficient teachers. Her old friends will be grieved to learn the sad news, and do sincerely sympathize in the great loss of her bright and brave son.

The following dispatch from Santiago de Cuba gives the details of his death: “Lieut. J. W. Smith, late of Col. Hood’s regiment, who since disbandment has been collector of customs at Gibara, died yesterday at Gibara as the result of the amputation of his leg, made necessary by injuries received at the hand of the editor of El Nacional. The latter had criticized Lieut. Smith’s administration of customs affairs, using most insulting language. The collector met the editor in the street about a week ago and demanded an apology. The Cuban drew a revolver and shot Smith in the thigh. The latter after a struggle succeeded in obtaining the revolver and handed his assailant over to the police. When asked why he did not kill him, Smith replied, “Cubans are not worth killing.” Lieut. Smith comes from one of the southern states. His work at Gibara was much appreciated by the customs authorities.

From recent Washington dispatches appearing in the Chicago papers, it appears that Mr. Smith was one of the most painstaking customs officials in Cuba, and that he was highly commended by the war department. His parents are anxiously waiting for a letter from Gibara, which it is expected will give a detailed account of the shooting, the article published in the El Nacional and the disposition of the editor.” -s