Smith, Merton E. 1872-1957

DEGRAW, SMITH, AMES

Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 11/6/2003 at 17:07:42

Merton E. Smith

Merton E., son of William and Elvina DeGraw Smith, was born near Monona, on August 4, 1872, and died at Postville, on January 31, 1957, at the age of 84 years, five months and 27 days.

With the exception of 11 years when his parents lived in South Dakota and Marble Rock, Iowa, he lived his entire life in the Luana community. He received his education in the Hardin and South Dakota elementary schools and the Marble Rock high school. When a young man he joined the Hardin Methodist Church, then moved to the Luana Methodist Church when the Hardin Church closed. He was an active member of that church until his death, having been superintendent of its Sunday School for many years.

His early work was that of school teaching. After 18 years he left that because his health demanded outdoor work. He then carried the rural mail until his retirement 20 years ago. On June 16, 1920 he was married to Edna Ames, who survives to mourn his going. Also surviving are his sister, Alda, and his brother, Clint, both of Hardin; many nieces and nephews and more distant relatives; and friends.

Funeral services were conducted Sunday, February 3, at the Luana Methodist Church with the Rev. E. Wayne Hilmer officiating. Burial was in the Hardin cemetery.

Postville Herald newspaper clipping from my mother's obituary collection.