Frank E. Smith 1824-1903

SMITH, CRESAP

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 3/7/2013 at 14:52:18

FRANK E.SMITH, DECEASED.

Born in New York State In 1824
Died Near Belfast, Iowa,
March 26, 1903.

OBITUARY SKETCH.

Frank E. Smith, a man who has at various times been a resident of Bonaparte, died at Belfast, Iowa, Thursday, March 26, 1903, aged seventy-nine years.

Mrs. Smith and wife had been moving from Bonaparte to Belfast just a few days before his death and during the changing Mr. Smith contracted a cold, pneumonia set in, and in a few hours from the time he was taken seriously ill, was dead. He leaves a widow to whom he had been married only a few months previous. The funeral services were held Saturday and he was buried by the side of his only daughter who died years ago.

Mr. Smith was born in New York state sometime during the year 1824. At the age of twelve years he went with his mother, his father having been deceased, to Michigan. In 1869 he went to Muscatine, Iowa, and in the month of March, 1873, came to Bonaparte and worked at the butcher's trade. August, 1874, Mr. Smith went to Brooklyn, Iowa, and Dan Cresap, a lad of thirteen years, to whom Mr. Smith had taken a great liking, accompanied him and they worked together for a number of months.

From Brooklyn Mr. Smith went west for ten years tried his fortunes there. Many of the circumstances of his early life, as well as this period are unknown.

His next home was at Carson near Council Bluffs where he remained twelve years. Here his wife died.

Mr. Smith was growing old and having no near relatives, he felt the need of being near a friend who would stand by him in case of sickness or trouble. He at once turned to Dan Cresap who had already at a number of times proven a friend in time of need, and in 1899 returned to Bonaparte, just twenty-nine years since he had left.

Mr. Smith desired that at his death if he was in possession of any earthly goods that they should go to Mr. Cresap. And Mr. Cresap, on his part, agreed to care for the old gentleman as long as he lived, no matter what was the condition of his finances.

Mr. Smith wanted to be sure that his wishes concerning Mr. Cresap would be carried out, so on the 13th day of January 1902, he issued a warranty deed to Dan Cresap bequeathing to him the sum of two thousand and two hundred dollars, and lot two of block three in the town of Bonaparte, together with all buildings on said block which includes the large brick building on the corner of Washington and Second St., also the Hotel Sharp. This deed was signed by Alex Brown, witness. Mr. Cresap was, however, to look after Mr. Smith and care for him so long as he lived, and this Mr. Cresap did as a son would a father.

Mr. Smith was in many respects a remarkable, and altogether a peculiar man there being very few who understood his nature. His early opportunities to acquire an education so far as books are concerned, were entirely lacking, but he had a natural business ability that stood him in good stand.

During his life time Mr. Smith amassed several fortunes, always beginning at the lowest round of the ladder, working faithfully and well until, by dint of honest labor and shrewd business tactics, he would again be in affluence. As in the case of his life near Carson. He went there without a dollar, and in twelve years owned a farm of 240 acres, well stocked and having commodious barns and all the modern conveniences.

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 4, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA