Smith, Tobias W. 1865-1932

SMITH, HARNER, SHARER, SHELEY, MELDREM

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 1/12/2014 at 12:52:19

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
May 13, 1932

DEATH SUMMONS
FORMER SHERIFF
"BYE" SMITH

(From the Montezuma Republican)

T.W. Smith, well known business man and former county sheriff, passed away Sunday following an illness of several months. "Bye" as he was popularly known, had spent practically his entire life in this vicinity.

Funeral services were said from his home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. W.F. Vanderlip, pastor of the Presbyterian church. Interment was in the local cemetery with the Odd Fellows in charge of the services at the grave. A large number of the organization were in attendance.

For years Mr. Smith farmed south of town, and by his hard working, intelligent endeavor and carefulness made a success of his life. He moved to town and for two terms served as sheriff of this county. Winning his election over a Republican candidate in a strong Republican county. This was from 1911 to 1914. For many years he conducted a restaurant, and in 1929, with his son-in-law, B.F. Sharer, erected a double building which added greatly to the appearance of the business section of this city. He also served on the city council and for twelve years was assessor of Jackson township.

Pall bearers at the funeral were his nephews, Cliff and Sam Smith, Harold Smith, Ross Meldrem, Fred Smith of Keswick and Ed Smith of Davenport.

The following obituary was read at the services:

Tobias, son of Geo. W. and Henrietta Smith, was born in Bureau county, Illinois, Dec. 16, 1865, and departed this life May 8, 1932, at the age of 66 years, 4 months and 22 days. He was the fourth son of a family of ten children, nine boys and one girl. His parents and three brothers preceded him to the beyond.

In November, 1873, he came with his parents to Iowa, locating on a farm north of Brooklyn, removing on March 1, 1876, and locating northeast of Montezuma.

He was a graduate of Montezuma high school, class of 1887.

His marriage to Electa Harner took place in Montezuma on March 4, 1890. Mrs. Ben Sharer is their only child.

Mr. Smith was widely known through his public life and service. For twelve years he was assessor of Jackson township. He served Poweshiek county as sheriff for four years. For the past five years he had been in business in Montezuma in the café on the north side of the square.

Except for two years pent in Wisconsin, Mr. Smith had always resided in and around this community.

Besides his wife and daughter there survive him the following brothers and sister: P.F. and A.W. of Montezuma; Geo. T., of Keswick; Mrs. F.M. Sheley of Anita; Jay D. Smith of Hayfield, Minn., and Harry of Cedar Rapids. Also there are three grandchildren to cherish his memory: Forrest, Marcene and Doris Sharer.

The following are those from a distance who attended the funeral of Mr. Smith here Tuesday afternoon: Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Smith, Fred Smith and Mrs. Nora Mikesell of Keswick; Mr. and Mrs. Ed Smith of Davenport; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Sheley of Anita; Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Harner of Newton; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Smith of Cedar Rapids; Jay Smith of Hayfield, Minn.; Mrs. Emma Campbell of Wichita, Kan.; Mr. and Mrs. Marion Harner of New Sharon, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Good of Taintor.