Smith, David 1827-1910

SMITH, HARTLEY

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/16/2015 at 15:33:51

Note: His wife's maiden name is Hartley.

DIED

"Uncle Dave" Smith dead. This simple announcement will bring a real sense of sadness to the many in this locality who have known this respected old-time resident. News of his passing away, which had been epected for some time, was received by relatives here last Friday from Baker City, Oregon, where he was cared for during his final illness at the home of this eldest daughter, Mrs. Corey.

David Smith was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and on May 22, 1909, had attained the ripe age of eighty-three years. He moved with his parents to Racine, Wisconsin, when a boy, in which state he grew to manhood and married.

With his wife and children, he came to Akron in October, 1879, and for a number of years was engaged as a stone mason and plasterer. In 1895 he moved across the river on what is now the the Henke place and achieved much success in raising melons and other garden truck. One season he raised over 14,000 fine watermelons on two acres of ground, the prodigious yield attracting wide attention.

His good wife died here about twelve years ago. They were the parents of a large family of children, with some of whom he has been making a home on the Pacific coast the past two or three years, during which time he has been in declinging health, following a partial stroke of paralysis.

The children surviving are: mrs. Corey and William, of Baker City, Oregon; Charles, of San Pedro, California; Mrs. Eliza Jones, of Medical Lake, Wash.; Bert H., of Haines, Oregon; O. J., of Pollock, S. D., and M. W., of this city, all of whom were with their father during his last illness except the two last name.

The funeral was held and interment made at Baker City.

No person ever approached "Uncle Dave" with a reasonable want and departed unfavored; in fact, this free-heartedness was his besetting sin if such it may be termed. He was industrious, honorable in all his dealing, and a valued friend.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, January 27, 1910
Akron, Iowa