Mahala Jane (Hart) Smith (1930)

CROW, HART, SMITH

Posted By: Linda Brittain
Date: 3/26/2007 at 18:37:29

The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, May 1, 1930
Page 2

MORTUARY

Mrs. M. Jane Smith

Mahala Jane Hart, daughter of George and Sarah Hart, was born in Highland county, Ohio, June 17, 1840, and passed away at her home, 224 North Third avenue, early Thursday morning, April 24, 1930, at the age of 89 years, 10 months and 7 days.

Her mother died when she was 7 years old and 6 years later the family moved to Indiana. In 1855 she came to Madison county with the rest of her family and located on a 200 acre farm in Webster township.

In 1858, she united in marriage to Hiram C. Smith, and moved to their home, seven miles west of Winterset, where they lived 51 years, until the death of Mr. Smith, in 1909, after which she moved to Winterset, where she had since resided. To this union four children were born, Charles G., Frances May, Walter Scott and Jessie H. Old neighbors and friends will recall the hospitality of their home, where in pioneer days, many a weary traveler on the journey westward, found shelter for the night.

All her life, Mrs. Smith was a firm believer in God and at 30 years of age she united with the first church organized in their neighborhood. Later she was an ardent worker at the Methodist church and Sunday school at West Star. After moving to Winterset, in 1910, she united with the Church of Christ, where she had been a faithful member. She was a loving mother and a thoughtful neighbor, never failing to lend a helping hand to the sick and those in need.

Two sisters, two brothers, four half-brothers, her husband and the three oldest children preceded her in death, leaving to mourn her passing, one daughter, Mrs. A. D. Crow, of Macksburg; one aged brother, Miles Hart, of Webster township, 12 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and a host of sorrowing relatives and friends.
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The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
April 1930

Death of Mrs. Jane Smith

Mrs. Mahala Jane Smith, who had been a resident of Madison county since in 1855, died at her home on West Green street, early Thursday morning, April 24th, at the age of 89 years. Mrs. Smith had not been in the best of health this winter and spring, but she thought it was unnecessary to keep help, and she lived alone. She was found dead in her bed, Thursday night, and it is thought that a stroke of apoplexy caused her death.

Aunt Jane, as she was familiarly called, stated Wednesday evening that she was not feeling well. William Springmire had been keeping her fires and assisting with her work. He was at the house Thursday morning, but did not see Mrs. Smith. Upon returning Thursday evening, he found that things were as he had left them. He called assistance, and they found Mrs. Smith in her bed.

The deceased was born in Highland county, Ohio, June 17, 1840. When seven years of age her mother died, and a few years later the family came to Madison county and located on their farm in Webster township.

In March, 1858, she was married to Hiram C. Smith, and they started housekeeping in their home, seven miles west of Winterset, where they lived for 51 years, or until the death of Mr. Smith, in 1909. After Mr. Smith's death, the widow moved to Winterset, where she had since resided. The Smiths were the parents of four children: Charles G., Frances May, Walter Scott and Jessie. Three of these children have preceded the mother in death. Two sisters, two brothers and four half-brothers have also preceded her in death. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. A. D. Crow, of Macksburg; one brother, Miles Hart, of Webster township; twelve grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

The Smith home, which was east of the Maple Grove church, was noted for its hospitality, and was known as the Seven Mile house. They kept a tavern and here many a Pike's Peak and California emigrant found hospitable shelter.

In an interview with Mrs. Smith, three years ago, she told about the first schools west of town. She said that the 2 districts organized in 1867 and used a part of the new corn crib on the Smith farm, for a school house. Mrs. Smith was an active church worker and Sunday school teacher, for many years having two Sunday school classes. She was one of the organizers of the West Star church, and belonged there until in 1910, when she moved to Winterset. At that time she became a member of the Church of Christ.

Rev. H. L. Olmstead, pastor of the Church of Christ, conducted the funeral services Saturday, April 26, at the Church of Christ, and burial was made in the Wight cemetery.

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