Smith, Mary B. (Swenson) 1873-1959

SMITH, SWENSON, GRINDER, DUNNING, BRAINARD, WATTS

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 6/9/2004 at 23:49:04

Rites Held for Mrs. Mary Smith
Mary Bertha Smith, daughter of Seward and Andrea Swenson, was born May 6, 1873, in Clayton county Iowa. She passed away at her home east of Postville, on Thursday, April 9, 1959, at the age of 85 years 11 months and three days. She had been in failing health for the past two years. She was baptized at the St. Paul's Lutheran church in Postville. On September 23, 1890, Mary Bertha Swenson was married to Lewis B. Smith of Postville. The wedding took place in Postville. At the time of their marriage the couple bought a farm in Post township where Mrs. Smith lived for 69 years, until the time of her death. Her husband died on April 9, 1939, just 20 years preceding the death of Mrs. Smith. She was preceded in death also by her father and mother, two infant brothers and a sister, Mrs. Sarah Grinder formerly of Kenosha, Wisconsin. Surviving are three daughters: (Abbie) Mrs. Roy Dunning of Luana, (Eva) Mrs. George Brainard of near Postville; (Ethel) Mrs. Alfred Watts at home; one sister Mrs. Carrie Smith of Postville; 15 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the Schutte Funeral Home, Sunday, at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Walter T. Martin in charge of the rites. Burial was in the Postville cemetery.

[source: newspaper clipping, likely a local area paper]
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Schutte funeral home record gives cause of death -massive hemorrhage and carcinoma. Mrs. Geo Brainard signed burial order.