Smedley, Edward D., 1860-1931

SMEDLEY, BAGLEY, BEKMAN, KLEINBEKMAN

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/18/2015 at 10:51:33

From the Alton Democrat, February 27, 1931:

DR. SMEDLEY TRAVELS TO FAR BOURNE
Beloved Veterinarian Died Saturday At His Home In Alton

Dr. E. D. Smedley succumbed at one o'clock Saturday morning after a long illness, passing quietly away, at the age of 70 years, 10 months and 21 days. The doctor was injured Dec. 2, 1927, when struck in the chest by a cow, the blow affecting his breathing, and ever since his health had been precarious. It was hoped that he would pull through this attack as he had previous attacks, but this proved too severe and the community lost a splendid citizen.

No panegyric here is needed, since his legion of friends know his true worth. Until the time of his death his advice was sought by farmers who never went away without securing the advice and medicine needed in treating farm animals. Some did not know of his death until the funeral services were over. There was no way of acquainting everyone with news of his death in time. Many who would have wishd to pay last respects were therefore not present at the services who would have attended had they known of his passing.

Edward D. Smedley, son of Joseph and Ann Smedley, was born March 31, 1860, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He came with his parents to Cass county, Iowa, in 1871, and soon after moved to Lewis, Iowa, where the family made their home. He began the study of veterinary medicine and surgery and in 1888 was licensed to practice. Dr. Smedley located in Alton in 1905 and practiced his profession until the time of his death.

The doctor's parents were Quakers and he was trained in that faith. In 1893 he united with the Christian church at Lewis and on coming to Aton affiliated himself with the Congregational church and later to the Presbyterian church. As in his professional work so in his religious life he was a consistent Christian. On March 14, 1891, Dr. Smedley joined the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge 140, of which he was a member at the date of his death.

He married Mary Bagley of Atlantic, Iowa, in January 1881 and five children were born of this union, namely: Mrs. Gustaf Hansen, Hale, Colorado; Mrs. Byron Linderman, Edmonton, Canada; W. J. Smedley, Long Beach, Cal.; Mrs. Clark White, Randolph, Neb.; and Mrs. Elmer Griffith, Coleridge, Neb. Mrs. Smedley died in Hale, Colorado, and on February 8, 1916, Dr. Smedley married Miss Gertrude K. Bekman of Alton. To this marriage one child, Edna Gertrude, was born.

Besides his widow and daughter here, there remain to mourn his passing, two sisters, Mrs. Mercy B. Watson, of Lewis, Iowa, and Mrs. Anna M. Lombard of Bridgewater, Iowa, and one brother, Benjamin Smedley of Lewis, Iowa, besides other relatives and a host of friends.

"There will never be a veterinarian like him," one farmer from six miles away told The Democrat upon learning of Dr. Smedley's death. His experience was invaluable in diagnosing an animal's ailment. Even when confined to his home, it was not unusual for a half dozen farmers a day to call for advice which the doctor could give after hearing the symptoms. Besides having a wealth of wisdom in his profession, the doctor had other qualities which endeared him to all fortunate in his acquaintance. He was a splendid citizen of upright qualities and strength of character which set him apart. The doctor's genealogy traced back to the 15th century, showing him distantly related to many famous families of the present day, such as General Smedley Butler, the fighting marine, President Hoover and other Quaker families.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Presbyterian church, with the pastor, Rev. R. L. Jones, officiating. The doctor's favorite hymns, "Sometime We'll Understand" and "Rock of Ages" were sung by Miss Sya Gleysteen, Mrs. C. B. Hoeven, Mrs. W. B. Hyink, Mrs. George Eason and Mrs. D. Van Nimwegen, Mrs. Ralph Van Zyl accompanying on the organ. The church was filled to capacity by the host of friends.

Among those from away coming for the funeral servies were Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Griffith and five sons and daughter, Coleridge, Neb.; Mr. and Mrs. Clark White, Randolph, Neb.; Mrs. Anna M. Lombard and son, Charles S. Lombard, Bridgewater, Ia.; Mrs. Mott Pigsley, Cumberland, Iowa; Bert Bagley and Don Ward, Atlantic, Ia.; Ardes Ward, Wiota, Iowa; Leo K. Bekman, Ida Grove; Mr. and Mrs. W. Van Bruggen, Matlock; Mr. and Mrs. Ben Koerselman, George; Mr. and Mrs. H. Koerselman, Mr. and Mrs. G. Koerselman, Mr. and Mrs. John Koerselman and Dick Koerselman, all of Middleburg; Mr. and Mrs. Ed Oolbekkink of Newkirk, and Mr. and Mrs. John Dokter of Middleburg.

The community united in extending sympathy to the bereaved family, a loss to the town and county that cannot be compensated, for Dr. Smedley was always a distinct asset, especially to his home town in which he showed such faith. When taken ill a few years ago the doctor at once went to work and started construction of a group of modern homes in lots which used to be north of the old Hotel Maplewood. He finished them and was rewarded with finding that a waiting list was always at hand to rent one of the homes when there was a chance of a vacancy. Prior to that he built a fine modern home overlooking the beautiful Omaha park for his own family.