George Smith (1869-1954)

SMITH, THOMSON, WILSON, TURNER, GREGERSON, PETERSON, FAWCETT, MORLEY

Posted By: jane austin (email)
Date: 7/5/2016 at 19:28:16

GEORGE SMITH

George Smith, retired business man and former mayor of Sanborn, passed away of a heart attack Tuesday at his home here. Mr. Smith had been failing in health, but had been up and around until the day of his death.

He bad operated a blacksmith shop here for 37 years. George Smith, son of the late George Smith Sr. and Isabelle Thomson Smith was born April 5, 1869 at Hatton Cruden in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and passed away June 8, 1954 at his home in Sanborn at the age of 85 years.

He came to the United States in 1889 and for several years made his home in Reinbeck, Ia. Later he lived in Estherville, then for 14 years in Superior, and on August 10, 1907, he came to Sanborn and has resided here ever since.

When a child he attended the Congregational church with his parents. On coming to Reinbeck he united with the Congregational church and held his membership there until uniting with the First Presbyterian church of Sanborn. He held various offices In the Sanborn church, including that of Sunday School superintendent, clerk, treasurer and elder.

April 5, 1894 he was united in marriage to Rose Wilson at Gladbrook. To this union were born five children: Marie Isabella Turner, of Sanborn; Alexander, who passed away In infancy; Lloyd Thomas, of Bowling Green, Ky.; George Arthur of Plainfield, N.J.; Louis Orville, of Sanborn.

Mrs. Smith passed away December 9,1951.

Survivors include their four children; one grandson, Thomas Lloyd Smith, of Bowling Green, Ky., one great grandson, Thomas Lloyd Smith, Jr. Also a nephew, Dr. Geo. T. Smith of Reinbeck.

Mr. Smith was a conscientious and methodical worker in all he undertook. Blacksmithing was his trade; while at Superior he set up his own shop and when he came to Sanborn he operated his blacksmith shop on west Second street where Chas. Spykerman now has an Auto Repair Shop.

In 1944 Mr. Smith sold the shop, but continued to work for the purchaser for a time. When his son, Louis, returned from navy service, he started a welding shop and Mr Smith helped at many jobs about the place until two years ago his falling health compelled him to give that up. But he was never satisfied without some activity and was on experienced gardener.

A heart ailment gradually weakened him until he passed away quietly to a better world about one o'clock Tuesday afternoon.

He had always taken an interest in town affairs and served as mayor of Sanborn from 1928 to 1928 and was a member of the Sanborn Fire department for many years. He was affiliated with the I.O.O.F. for some years. He retained his interest in people and enjoyed the visits of his friends among whom were many children. There was always hospitality to be found in the Smith home.

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at two o'clock at the Funeral Home. Rev. G. F. Butler of Greene, Ia„ conducted the services, assisted by Rev. Dean Williams. Miss Ramona McGranahan sang "In the Garden" and "The Old Rugged Cross," accompanied by Mrs. Earl Mayne on the piano. Pallbearers were Ray Hulley, Gradus Scherhoorn, Roy Tifft, Keith Morley, Carl Morley and John Delan. Interment was in Roseland cemetery.

Relatives attending from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. Sam Gregerson, Tracy, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. P. O. Peterson, Heron Lake, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. James Fawcett, Wild­er, Minn., and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Morley and sons Robert and Frank of Harris.

Sanborn (Iowa) Pioneer, Jun 17, 1954, p1