KNICKERBOCKER, Smith, Rev. 1833-1903

KNICKERBOCKER, TUBS, EMERSON, BANCROFT, MCKINLAY, MATTISON, KELLOGG

Posted By: Sharyl Ferrall, IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 8/19/2015 at 20:37:14

Rev. Smith Knickerbocker died at his home in this city last Saturday morning at 5 o'clock, after a lingering sickness of eleven weeks. He had been failing physically for several months with stomach troubles and when he finally was taken to his bed, medical skill could only alleviate a part of his suffering. Through all the long weeks of pain, not a word of complaint or impatience escaped him; his only thought to cheer up the loving wife and children who were ministering unto him, and to abide the will of God.

For several weeks he had known the end was near and made all arrangements for the settling of his business affairs; and also expressed his wish to have the funeral at home, and that some of the older ministers of his acquaintance should assist the pastor.

He died in the triumphs of the Christian faith. His mind had been clear in all his sickness. For more than two hours after midnight his mind was especially active and he talked much to the loved ones about him; his words were a benediction of peace and joy and love.

He left special messages of love to all his dear ones; a few minutes before his death he talked of departed loved ones and asked to be turned toward the sun; and the Lord took him with less of physical struggle than commonly falls to the lot of even his most favored servants.

The funeral was held yesterday from the home, conducted by Rev. Billingsley. The pall bearers were the Reverends Bissell and Skinner of Waterloo, Cobb of Vinton and dorwin, Sheffer and F. Miller of this city. The beautiful floral offerings were a symbol of the sacred memory of the departed.

Smith Knickerbocker was born in New York state, July 8, 1833. At the age of seventeen he came to Delaware county, Iowa.

In 1854 he was married to Anna Vera Tubbs at Delhi; the children of this marriage were George E., Chauncey W., and Jennie; the mother died in 1864.

In 1865, he was married to Susanna Emerson of Forrestville, and five children were born of this marriage. The mother died February 19, 1893.

He was married June 21, 1894 to Eliza Helen Bancroft, who was a most faithful and loving wife in his declining years, and survives him, and with his children a witness to his triumphant death.

Rev. Knickerbocker is survived by a brother, Hon. Frank Knickerbocker of Savannah, Mo., and a sister in Michigan. The living children are Dr. C.W. Knickerbocker of Tulsa, I.T.; Mrs. Jennie McKinlay, Newkirk, Oklahoma; Frank and William of Chicago; Mrs. Florence Mattison of Beloit, Wis.; Mrs. Edith Kellogg of Charles City; and Garfield of Kansas City.

Rev. Knickerbocker was converted soon after his first marriage and felt called to the ministry. He joined the Upper Iowa M.E. Conference in 1858, and has been a member ever since, serving charges in many parts of northeastern Iowa.

He came permanently to Cedar Falls seventeen years ago and has been out of the active ministry about 7 years; but he continued his active interest and help in the work of the church. He took much interest in the social and business affairs of the community, and was honored and respected by all who knew him. He had not missed a meeting of his conference in 46 years, an evidence of his general good health and faithfulness to Christian duty.

The funeral services were remarkably impressive, all of the speakers paying high tribute to the earnest Christian work, useful life and triumphant death of the deceased. Services were in charge of his pastor, Rev. A.M. Billingsley, who gave an obituary. Mrs. B. Dubbert sang beautifully several hymns; Rev. J.E. Johnson of Waterloo and Rev. W.H. Lusted of this city, read selections of Scripture; Dr. J.W. Bissell of Waterloo offered prayer; Dr. J. Bowman, Dr. J.C. Magee, Rev. F.X. Miller, Rev. D. Sheffer, and Rev. W.S. Dorwin, paid high tribute to his religious life, and long service in the ministry, and spoke of his family and warm friendships. T. McKinlay, son-in-law of the deceased, touchingly related his impressions of the triumphant death it had been his privilege to witness.

The family wish to express to their friends their sympathy, for help extended to them throughout all the weeks of suffering and anxiety as well as during the past few days.

~The Semi-Weekly Gazette, Cedar Falls, Tuesday, January 13, 1903