| Newspaper | Cassville Republican |
|---|---|
| Date | Nov 21, 1903, Thursday |
| Headline | Mexican Veteran |
| Text | Purdy, MO, Nov 15, 1903. Democrat: Not long since I saw an article in your paper stating that "there were only two veterans of the Mexican war living in Barry County." This is a mistake, Uncle Jas. Smith of Purdy fought in that war and is a pensioner at this time. He has been blind for about five years and can now see so as to recognize some people. Because of his blindness he got both of his legs broken by horses crowding him in a stable. He then lived west of Purdy three miles. He can walk now by use of a crutch and a high soled shoe. He attends nearly every reunion and should have been registered. He is a fine old Democrat and keeps well posted on current topics. He was a 49er and played cards with the King of England on the vessel going to California and says, "I beat him every game." What Uncle Jim says is so and he sure beat the "Prince of Wales" at euchre. At one time he was worth $35,000. I knew him in Kansas twenty years ago. He at one time lived in White Hall, IL. The three Barry County Mexican veterans ought to hold a reunion of their own at Cassville or Purdy. |
| Resource | State Historical Society of MO Microfilm |
| Submitted by | Donna Cooper |
Return to Return to |