Smith, Melvin Benton, 1858-1943

SMITH, WOODS

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:38

From the Rock Valley Bee, February 19, 1943:

M. B. SMITH IS SUMMONED TO GREAT BEYOND
Member 1st School Board – Co. Sup. 14 Years

Melvin Benton Smith, who came to Rock Valley a year before the railroad built through and who was a member of the first Rock Valley school board as well as representing this district on the board of supervisors for 14 years, died last Thursday afternoon at his home here at the age of 64 years, 10 months and two days. He was ill only a few days when the end came.

Mr. Smith was born at Leipsic, Ohio, April 10, 1858, and died February 11, 1943. When he was 12 years old he moved with his parents and two sisters, Belle and Mina, all of whom preceded him in death, to a farm near Reasnor, Iowa. Here he assisted his father on the farm. At the age of 20 he taught school for some time, later marrying his former pupil, Emma E. Woods. The marriage was solemnized at Hixon Grove chapel, near Newton, Iowa.

He and his wife moved later to Holstein, Iowa, and here three children were born – Delbert, the oldest child, who died at the age of 18 months; and Zella and Zoa. Later the family moved to a farm in Sioux county, the year (1878) before the railroad was built through Rock Valley. Here the three younger children were born—Pearl, Jesse and Cecil. His wife and daughter Pearl preceded him in death.

For several years he was engaged in the hardware business and later was manager of the Hunting elevator. He took an active interest in all civic affairs, having served on the first school board in Rock Valley. He served as city assessor, and for 14 years was a member of the board of supervisors of Sioux county.

After retiring from business in 1900 he moved to a farm one mile east of Rock Valley and in 1919 he returned to Rock Valley where he resided until his death. He became a member of Pioneer Methodist church March 26, 1893.

He leaves to mourn his passing two daughters—Zella Van Horssen of Bingham Lake, Minnesota, and Zoa of Rock Valley; two sons, Jesse and Cecil of Rock Valley; four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Hosts of friends will miss the pioneer citizen.

Funeral services were held on Saturday afternoon at Pioneer Methodist church, conducted by the Rev. L. A. Rachuy. Music was furnished by a mixed quartet—Mrs. Gunnink, Mrs. Bosley, Mr. Gilbert De Zeeuw and Mr. Dick Wesselink, accompanied by Mrs. R. J. McNelly. Pallbearers were M. S. Huie, Frank A. Large, C. A. Walhof, Paul Collenbaugh, Fred Relander and A. Van Driel.

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Also in the Rock Valley Bee, February 19, 1943, “Bee Buzzes” column, by publisher G. E. Bowers:

The late Melvin B. Smith, one of Sioux county’s outstanding men, might have been county supervisor many years longer if he hadn’t helped along with the Hull-Perkins paving project some twenty years ago. At least, he told us once that he had made a mistake there and that was why he lost out the next time election rolled around.

In those days a peculiar law was in effect. It required that assessments be made on farm land for 1 ½ miles back from the paving, with the heaviest assessments, of course, on the land adjoining the new paved road. Now, the paving between Hull and Perkins was only two miles long but it affected all the farmers for 1 ½ miles back from each side of the slab and that was quite a few farmers, even in two miles, and all of them had their friends and relatives over the supervisor district….

Mr. Smith was one of the most competent and intelligent members of the board of supervisors Sioux county ever had. He possessed a remarkable memory and a great fund of common sense, together with a native shrewdness, developed from many years of dealing with all kinds of people. When he started his first campaign for election he went to one farmer west of town and said: “My name is Melvin Smith and I am running for county supervisor. I don’t care whether you vote for me or not but for heaven’s sake go and vote.” The two became fast friends in later years.

He appeared to be in good health a week before he passed beyond and the unexpected demise of this good man saddened a great many people, including the present writer. He will be missed by a host of friends.

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A similar obituary appeared in the Sioux Center News, February 18, 1943.

FindaGrave.com has Melvin Benton Smith, born 10 April 1858 at Leipsic, Putnam County, Ohio, died 11 Feb 1943 in Rock Valley; no parents given; spouse Emma E. Woods Smith (1863-1929); two daughters listed, Zoa Smith (1884-1948) and Pearl Smith (1885-1934).