SMITH-FOLKEDAHL, Haavald J. 1832-1907

SMITH-FOLKEDAHL, OFTEDAHL, MCVAY, VIG

Posted By: Karen L. Robertson (email)
Date: 9/26/2012 at 20:14:49

Haavald Johan Folkedahl Smith was born at Bergen, Norway, March 9th, 1832. At the age of 13 he went to sea and served as a sailor for 14 years. Then he enlisted for 3 years in the U.S. Navy and served on board the Gunboat, Hartford. During his long life at sea, he visited most of the important countries of the world and while on board the Hartford he witnessed many of the engagements of the Opium was of 1859-60.

In 1861 the Hartford was ordered to Philadelphia and Mr. Smith's time having expired, he was honorably discharged from the navy and returned to Bergen, Norway. Here he engaged in the general merchantile business for six years. In 1868 he again came to America and located at Green Bay, Wis., where he was united in marriage with Amelia Christine Oftedahl, by this union there were six children; Olaf C. Smith of Minneapois, Minn.; Anton M. Smith, St. Ansgar, Iowa; Hoval A. Smith, Bisbee, Ariz.; Emil R. Smith; Anna Mathilda McVay, Eddsville, Iowa; and Amelia Christine Smith, St. Ansgar, Iowa.

Mrs. Smith died in 1886 and in June 1890 he married Hannah Vig, a dear childhood friend of his first wife.

In 1872 deceased removed to St. Ansgar, Iowa, and engaged in the hardware business in company with C.P. Jorgensen, in the building now occupied by Louis Moe, In the spring of 1874 this partnership was dissolved and Mr. Smith erected a hardware store building in which he conducted his business for 32 years, or until about one year ago, when by reason of failing health, he disposed of his business to Mr. Bernstein. His health continued to fail gradually and it has been apparant to all, for some time, that it was only a question of a few weeks or days when the spirit of a good citizen, a kind father, and a loving friend, must pass through the valley of the shadow of death. This it was no surpirse to learn on Saturday morning, January 26th that all that was mortal of our old friend and neighbor had passed beyond our temporal horizon, that "blue line which marks the visible confines of our mortality."

Mr. Smith was a man of retiring disposition. He was always loyal to the town in which nearly one half of his life was spent and took an active interest in the upbuilding and prosperity of the town, still never was known to be willing to accept a public office.

We believe it can be truthfully said that there never was a more charitable disposed citizen of St. Ansgar than he. No worthy poor ever applied to him for aid but what the request was granted with a liberal hand and glad heart. John Smith exemplified in his daily life that he was a true Christian. He would rather discuss the Word of God with a customer than endeavor to sell him his goods and wares. His one and only thought seemed to be to impress upon humanity that necessity of leading a Christian life.

The funeral services were held at the U.N.L. church January 30th, Rev. Waldeland officiating. The great host of friends in attendance and the beautiful floral decorations are signifficant exponents of the esteem in which he was held by all. The remains were laid to rest by the side of his first wife, the mother of his family, at the U.N.L. Cemetery north of town.

St. Ansgar Enterprise

St. Ansgar Enterprise