Jesse Elmer Smith (1899-1918)

SMITH, TROTMAN

Posted By: jane austin (email)
Date: 6/12/2021 at 21:05:24

These are days of real sorrow in Paullina. The community has been called upon on several occasions of late to mourn the death of highly esteemed and respected citizens. The call to service of the country has brought attendant upon it deep sorrow as well as exalted honor.

Word was received here Saturday of the death of Jesse Elmer Smith at Morningside College the night previous, Friday, October 25th. Death was the result of a severe attack of Spanish Influenza. His illness covered a period of about a week From the start his was a severe case. The inroads of the malady were rapid and all that the best of medical skill could do could not stay the ravages of the disease. There were no complications with influenza but the poison so thoroughly saturated the strong physique of the victim that death claimed him Friday evening.

Jesse Elmer Smith was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Smith of Paullina. He was born at Ireton, Iowa, February 1, 1899, being nineteen years, eight months and twenty-five days of age at the time of his death.

He came to Paullina with his parents in the spring of 1902. He received his education in the rural schools and the Paullina schools, being a member of the graduating class of 1917 from our high school. since graduating and until he entered Morningside College this fall, he ramained at home with his parents and labored with his father on the farm. This fall he entered Morningside College as a member of the S.A.T.C., this responding to the high calling of his country for young men who were willing to prepare themselves intellectually and physically for the duties of citizenship.

The death of Jesse Elmer is a severe blow and a great loss not only to his parents but to the community. For he was one of our young men of good, clean wholesome life. He adhered closely to the good things of life and his ambition was to be of real service not only to himself, but to the community at large. His departure from us will be marked by another gold star upon our service flag. His memory will always keep bright the luster of his star.

Besides the sorrowing parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Wesley Smith, he leaves three brothers: Clarence, Orlo and Marvin.

Paullina (Iowa) Times, 31 Oct 1918, p1