Mary Ellen Smart ~ 1851-1933

SMART, CECIL, EDIE, HALEY, BARCLAY, BARKER, SIMMONS

Posted By: Volunteer - Rhonda Rankin Rowe
Date: 1/31/2002 at 14:32:03

Mary Ellen Smart, eldest daughter of William and Lydia Jane Cecil, passed away at the home of her son, Frank in Hillsboro, at the age of 81 years, 6 months and 21 days.

She was born near Muncie, Ind., March 6, 1851. The family moved to Pittsburg, Iowa, when Mary Ellen was 13 years of age.

She was united in marriage to J. Hanhanoan Smart Nov. 27, 1868. Her husband preceded her in death six years, on March 27, 1926.

To this union were born five children, two of whom have preceded her in death, John M. and Viney Alice. The children left to mourn are Mrs. Minnie Edie of Marceline, Mo., Frank of Hillsboro and Clarence of Milton; also two sisters, Mrs. J.J. Haley of Shenandoah and Mrs. Alice Barclay of Los Angeles, Calif.; and three brothers, Ezra, Ephriam and Amos, all of Milton, 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

She was united with the Methodist church when only a girl and was a faithful member all of her life and attended services as long as health permitted.

Mary Ellen had been in Failing health for several months before she was brought to the home of her son, Frank, in Hillsboro. A few days ago when it was found that she could not recover, her dear ones from afar were sent for. Those who could come were her daughter, Minnie, son-in-law, Harvey Edie, grandson, Lawrence Edie, and her sister, Mrs. J.J. Haley.

She lived a life that endeared her to all who knew her and her going leaves a sweet fond memory in the hearts of those who knew her.

Funeral services were held at Bonaparte in the Methodist church on Thursday, Sept. 29, Rev. Flanagan in charge, scripture John 14:2. Music by Geo. Lorton, Leslie Watts, K. Roy Parr, accompanied by Mrs. Ruth Corbin. The pall bearers were five of the grandchildren, Guy and Craig Smart, Boyd and Harold Smart, Raymond Barker and Floyd Simmons. Interment was in the Bonaparte cemetery.

Source; Iowa Rankin and Jenny Matheson newspaper clippings