Marcellus K. Smith (1859-1915)

SMITH, WEST, RUMMEL

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 4/12/2022 at 21:34:32

From Nevada Representative May 18, 1915 (page 1)

M. K. SMITH DROPS DEAD
Prominent Ames Citizen Died Monday Evening

Marcellus K. Smith of Ames, eldest of five sons of the late Capt. I. L. Smith of Nevada, fell between his house and his garden in Ames early Monday evening and was dead or practically so when picked up. As the matter is there understood, he had bee out driving early in the evening, and had run his automobile into the barn and was on his way back to the house when the fatal stroke came upon him. We do not know whether anyone saw him fall but it was noted at once that something was wrong, and investigation showed that there was really nothing to do for him. He had previously and for some time been threatened with heart-trouble but in recent months his health was considered to have improved, and his death is an utter surprise to everyone who knew him.

M. K. Smith was about 56 or 57 years of age, a native of Pennsylvania but removing with his father's family to Ames in the period immediately following the war and while he was yet a small boy. About 1875 the family removed to Nevada, Capt. Smith having been appointed deputy county clerk and being subsequently elected five times to the clerkship; but M. K. was by this time old enough to have and to hold a job and he remained in Ames, which continued for all the rest of his life to be his home. As a youth he clerked in a store, was later a partner in one of the leading stores of Ames, but for probably the greater part of his active years was in the real estate business, which he conducted with obvious energy and success. He was habitually active in local affairs at Ames, being in evidence and of service when anything was on for the promotion of town or college interests and a recognized influence for the furthering of friendly relation between Ames and Nevada. He was mayor of Ames for a time, and it was during his administration that the city inaugurated the municipal lighting system which has there been conducted with very considerable success and public profit. All around he was a prominent and useful citizen, and he held a high place in both city and county.

Mr. Smith was twice married. His first wife was Laura West, a member of one of the prominent and pioneer families of Ames. She died years ago under the effects of an operation, leaving two children, Marcellus and Cecille, both of whom now survive their father, the son at Ames and the daughter married and in Oklahoma. In later years he married Miss Rose Rummel, who came from Poweshiek county and was a teacher in the Ames schools, and who now survives him. His father was killed in a street-car accident a few years ago at Kansas City; but his mother, Mrs. Harriet Smith, survives at Kansas City, where she is making her home with her second son Chas. E. His remaining brothers are Will of Chicago and John Henry of Kansas City.