His death left a vacancy on the Republican ticket and created a need for an immediate successor to finish out his term .
On September 30 , 1870 , William Smyth , the incumbent Congressman representing Iowa 's 2nd congressional district , died while seeking re-election .
William Smyth 's death left a vacancy on the Republican ticket and created a need for an immediate successor to finish out his term .
On September 30 , 1870 , William Smyth , the incumbent Congressman representing Iowa 's 2nd congressional district , died while seeking re-election .