SMITH, Emily Cordelia (Howard) 1845-1936

SMITH, KENNEY, HOWARD, SCOFIELD

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 9/17/2011 at 16:45:24

#1:

MRS. SMITH, WIDOW
OF LUMBERMAN, DIES

(The Register's Iowa News Service)

OSAGE, IOWA - Mr. G. W. Smith, 91, died Wednesday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. E. J. Scofield, where she had lived the last 11 years. A resident of Osage 69 years, she was the widow of one of the founders of the James A. Smith Lumber Co. Mrs. Smith never had recovered fully from the effects of a fall.

[ From a clipping at the Osage Public Library ]

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#2:

Mrs. G. W. Smith,
Pioneer Mother of
Osage, Died Wednesday

Mrs. G. W. Smith, one of Iowa's pioneer women, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. E. J. Scofield, in Osage Wednesday morning, August 12, after a short illness.

Emily Cordelia Howard was born in Warsaw, New York, on April 3, 1845, the daughter of Walter and Ruth Kenney Howard, of Bolton, Connecticut. Her parents were themselves pioneers, and came from their home in Connecticut to the then far west - New York State - where her father was engaged in business, and where they both died, her mother at the advanced age of 90.

On January 7, 1864, she was united in marriage with Gershon Welles Smith, of Castile, New York, and to this union six children were born. They are: Howard Albert, Clayton Welles, Raymond Davis, Grace Emily, Altena Ruth and Irma Cordelia.

Four of these have passed away. Those surviving are Clayton W. Smith, of Duluth, Minnesota, and Mrs. F. J. Scofield, of Osage.

With the firm belief that the west was the place of opportunity, Mr. and Mrs. Smith came to Iowa in 1868, coming to Charles City by train and then by stage coach direct to Osage.

Mr. Smith engaged in the grocery business, and afterward, with his brother, James A. Smith, continued in this business for some years at the location now occupied by Oscar Pohle. They later entered into the lumber business under the firm name of G. W. & J. A. Smith, which continued until Mr. Smith's death in 1882.

Osage has been the home of Mrs. Smith with the exception of one year spent at Wausau, Wisconsin. Left a widow at the age of 37, and with five small children, Mrs. Smith put forth heroic efforts to keep her home together and rear her family. Her home and her family were her life, and she loved to have members of her family with her.

Her home was ever open to guests and she enjoyed having the friends of her children there as much as her own. To those who were fortunate to be numbered among her friends, she was intensely loyal. To have a tried and trusted friend is one of life's rare and beautiful experiences. Such a friend was she.

In the community her influence was always on the side of the public welfare, and she was unafraid to take her stand. At the time when saloons were voted out of Osage she gave of her time and energy to help in its accomplishment.

Mrs. Smith and her husband early identified themselves with the church life of Osage, and both became members of the First Congregational Church of Osage under De. Douglass. Her membership dates from March 7, 1875. She always attended the services of her church and assisted in its activities as long as she was physically able. Her interest in her church continued even after she was unable to attend any of the services, practically up to the time of her death.

Funeral services will be held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. E. J. Scofield, on Friday at 2:30 p.m., conducted by her pastor, Reverend Stiles Lessly, and burial will be made in the Osage Cemetery.

[Mitchell County Press, August 13, 1936]

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#3:

APRIL 5, 1935

90th Birthday Observed

OSAGE, IOWA - April 5. - The ninetieth birthday of Mrs. Gersham Smith was celebrated quietly at her home. She resides with her daughter, Mrs. E.J. Scofield at Ninth and State street. Her son, Clayton and wife, came from Duluth for the day and a family gathering was held in the evening.

[ From a clipping at the Osage Public Library ]