Smith P. Deming 1858-1921

DEMING, SMITH, BOSWORTH, OSGOOD

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 8/28/2010 at 18:58:33

S. P. Deming Called to Last Rest
Died at His Home Last Monday Morning
Funeral Held Today
Long Time Resident of This Community – In Poor Health for Some Time

This community was deeply grieved to learn of the death of Mr. S. P. Deming, which occurred at his home on the west side of the river last Monday [March 14, 1921] morning. For the past two years, Mr. Deming had been in poor health, and while his passing on to his reward was no great surprise, yet it came as a shock to the large circle of friends and associates, who respected him so highly because they knew him so well. Mr. Deming had been a resident of this city for many years and had made the acquaintance of a large number of our people. He was a man of splendid character, with a cheery word of greeting for everyone. He always looked upon the bright side of life and many a time his cheery smile has helped to drive away the dark clouds of an afflicted friend and neighbor. And when his great affliction came upon him, he bore it bravely to the end, still retaining his genial disposition with a pleasant word of greeting for all.

He was an active member of the Baptist church of this city for many years, doing his part in carrying on the work of that institution. He was affiliated with the I.O.O.F., Homesteaders and Woodman lodges of this city. Until his illness he was one of the active insurance agents of our community and in this line of work met many people and made friends where ever he went.

Smith P. Deming was born April 10, 1858, in Broome county, New York. He moved with his parents to Kansas in 1864. On April 9th, 1878, he was united in marriage with Miss Emma S. Smith, at Butler, Missouri. The young couple moved to Marseilles, Illinois where they made their home until 1905, at which time they moved to Emmet county, which has since been their residence.

To this union five children were born, Hattie Zoe Bosworth, who was awaiting her father in the better land, Ivy Pearl Osgood, of this city, Caleb L., of Waterloo, Ernest, deceased and William E., of this city. Besides the wife and children, he leaves an only brother, Caleb, of Phoenix, Arizona, and ten grand-children to mourn his departure.

Funeral services are being held from the residence this afternoon, Rev. J. Arthur Hurley, of the Baptist church in charge. The many friends of this worthy gentleman joins us in extending deepest sympathy to the bereaved relatives in their dark hour of sorrow. We can only point them to the memories of this man, the kind acts, the smile and hearty handclasp that will every live in the hearts of his friends and will keep green the memory of his life better than all the memorials of stone that could be erected. He is gone, but through a rift in the clouds comes the knowledge of his good deeds, like a ray of sunshine to lighten the hearts bowed down. He is at rest from earthly trials and would not have it otherwise. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, March 16, 1921)