Ellen M. "Ella" (Wells) Smith (1853-1889)

WELLS, SMITH, BUFFUM, PHILP

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 12/29/2015 at 20:53:18

From Nevada Representative February 27, 1889

Obituary.

Mrs. Ella Wells Smith, wife of Dr. F. S. Smith, died at her home in this city about midnight of the night of Wednesday, February 20th, of peritonitis, after an illness of less than a week. The deceased was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, September 30, 1855, where she was reared and was married September 30, 1882 to Dr. Smith. She then went with her husband to Elberon, Tama county, whence they came March 1885 to Nevada, which continued to be their home, excepting about a year spent at Sioux Falls, Dakota, until her death. She was reared in the Presbyterian church, but after her marriage united with the Methodist. She was a woman of happy disposition with seemingly many years of joyous life before her. She was reconciled to death and left as requests that she be buried here and that her three children, Roy, Alta and Olga, be cared for by her sister, Mrs. Amanda Phlip.* The funeral ws feelingly conducted at the M. E. church Friday afternoon by Rev. W. W. Danner. At the close of Mr. Danner's services, Prof. Beal of Western College, at Toledo, and a relative and life long associate and friend of the deceased, gave touching and appreciative testimony concerning her life and character. He also offered prayer in the opening services at the house. Dr. and Mrs. Smith were children together, and in mature years happily renewed the acquaintance of their youth. The Dr. received in his great loss the sympathy of the whole community.

The following relatives came during Mrs. Smith's sickness or to attend funeral: Mrs. Wells her mother of Rock Island; Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Kenworthy, of Rock Island, and Mrs. Mate Robertson, of Council Bluffs, thses ladies being her sisters; and Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Thompson, Wm. Smith, the Dr.'s father, his brothers Dr. E. R. and W. C. Smith, and the latter's wife, his cousin A. G. Smith, and his daughter Maud Smith, from Toledo; also Mrs. Phlip, who remains to keep house and care for the children.

For the many acts of kindness extended to him and his in their time of sorrow, Dr. Smith desires to express his appreciation and gratitude.

Resolutions from the Young Men's Institute Literary Society of Western College, Toledo, Iowa:

WHEREAS, Dr. F. S. Smith, of Nevada, Iowa, a graduate from our society in the class of '76, has been called upon to endure the sore affliction of the sickness and death of his inestimable companion, be it

Resolved, 1. That we extend to him and his household our deepest sympathy in his sad trial and pray God's supporting grace and comfort in his life thus made lonely and increased with care. May that unseen hand that shapes the destinies of men, as it takes the one, smooth the pathway of him who remains until he sees in clearest vision the arm and person of the loving Lord

2. That these resolutions be entered upon the record of the Young Men's Institute; that a copy be forwarded to our sorrowing brother; and that there be sent for publication a copy of each to the REPRESENTATIVE, Watchman, and the Toledo Chronicle.

Adopted this 25th day of February, 1889.
B. F. COKELY, Com.

SUBMITTER'S NOTE: Ellen M. "Ella" (Wells) Smith was the daughter of Rinnah Wells, Jr. and Hannah Buffum. She was the second wife of Dr. Francis Salmaron Smith.

*Amanda Sarah (Wells) Philp was married to Wesley J. Philp. Somewhat ironically (or perhaps predictably), she would become Dr. Francis Salmaron Smith's third wife on 1 July 1890 when they were married in Nevada, Story County, Iowa.