SMITH, Sidney S. 1841-1912

SMITH

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 5/5/2010 at 13:13:26

Sidney S. Smith
1841-1912

Sidney S. Smith was born May 14, 1841, at Henderson, New York, and passed away near El Monte, California, December 8, 1912. He received his education in the public schools and at the age of 21 enlisted in the 29th Wisconsin Volunteers, Co. B, and served his country three years.

In the spring of 1866 he was united in marriage to Miss Melissa Dunning at Farrington, Wisconsin. Five children were born of the union. In 1869, he with his family moved to Nashua, Iowa, and located on a farm. A couple of years later he moved to Mitchell county, Ia., where he resided until three years ago, when he decided to make California his home, coming here in the fall of 1909 and purchased a walnut ranch near El Monte, California.

For the last three months his heath had been failing but he with his family did not realize that it was of a serious nature. On Thursday he was taken with severe hemorrhage of the stomach. His attending physician was summoned and pronounced it cancer and from the very first held out little hope. He failed rapidly and on Sunday evening at 8 o'clock dropped peacefully asleep.

His wife with four of the children, Chas. A. Smith and Mrs. F. A. Cotter of Fullerton, Whitman G. Smith of Los Angeles and Jennie M. Steer of El Monte, were permitted to minister at his bedside. The eldest son, Arthur D. Smith of Osage, Iowa, was unable to be present.

He lived his life in his own peculiar way. A true friend, kind father and indulgent husband. The funeral, conducted by the Presbyterian minister, was held at the late residence Tuesday morning and interment made in Mountain View cemetery at Pasadena, California.

[ El Monte, California News, December 1912 ]

Transcribed by Kathy Pike, September 2, 2003