Frank Smrcek
was born in 1842 in Moravia with is now in the Czech Republic. There, Frank
received his education, and was fluent in five languages. He immigrated
and lived in Wisconsin where he enlisted with the 26th Wisconsin Infantry
in 1862. The entry in the 'Descriptive Book of the Enlisted Men of Co.
D of the 26th Wisconsin' is as follows: 'Smrcek, Frank, Age 21, Height
5' 10 1/2", Complexion Light, Eyes blue, Hair light, Where born Bohemia,
Occupation Farmer, Enlisted Aug 18, Where Racine, By Whom M. Kelble, Term
3 years, Remarks Promoted Corporal July 2 63.'
He was released after
receiving a wound in his left leg at the battle of Resaca, Georgia.
After the war, he married
seventeen year old Antonie Smrcek in 1867. Though she was also born in
Moravia, they were not related to each other. They moved to a farm near
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, about one mile east of Ely. Their first child, Emily
Antonie, was born in 1868.
Frank Smrcek died at
the age of 28 in November 1870, while Antonie was carrying their second
child. He became ill with 'quinsy', a peritonsillar abscess caused by a
bacterial infection. One day while his wife was out doing the farm chores
the abscess became so large that his breathing was completely blocked and
Frank died. He was buried in the Rogers Grove cemetery in Ely.
Information by Peggy Keck
