Martin S. Smith (1857-1923)

SMITH, JOHNSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 3/25/2024 at 11:04:14

From Story City Herald November 15, 1923 (page 3)

OBITUARY

Martin S. Smith

Martin S. Smith was born in 1858 at Post Ground, Norway, and in 1888, as a young man, he removed to Palo Alto county, Iowa, and having become acquainted with Miss Bertha Johnson, they were united in marriage Sept. 1st, 1890, and resided for three years on a farm in that vicinity. They removed to Chicago and for some years the deceased engaged in the coal business.

After residing in Story City again for period of years, it became evident that he was stricken with the dread disease of cancer. He sought relief at three different institutions organized for the cure of this disease, but finally returned to Story City without the hope of regaining health.

It was then that he became very anxious about his relation to God, confessing that he had not lived a Godly life, and began to pray earnestly that God for Christ's sake might grant him pardon. Through the earnest exhortations and prayers of his companion and others, and the forgiving Grace of God he obtained the witness of eternal life a few months ago.

Through his long and severe sickness he was patient and when peace had come desired to be released and to be with God. In this faith and assurance he passed away, Oct. 24th, 1923, aged 65 years. There remain to mourn his departure a companion, 3 brothers, 1 sister and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held in the Grace church Friday afternoon, Rev. Orth officiating, and interment was made in the Fairview cemetery.

SUBMITTER'S NOTE: Martin S. Smith lists his parents as S. C. Smith and Maggie Mickleson on his marriage record in 1890 in Palo Alto County, Iowa. On his death record, his father is listed as ---- Severson with no name for his mother. The obituary refers to his companion rather than his wife-- the death record states he is divorced but Bertha Smith signed it as the informant.