Smith, Robert J. 1862-1921

SMITH

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/23/2012 at 12:04:44

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Friday, June 10, 1921

WAS A PIONEER BLACKSMITH
Bob Smith Conducted Shop in LeMars in Early Eighties

Robert John Smith, 59 years old, 909 Douglas street, a pioneer blacksmith of Sioux City, died at a Cherokee hospital Monday night from a complication of diseases, following an illness of two months. He had been a resident of Sioux City 35 years.

He was born in Canada March 11, 1862, and when 7 years old removed with his parents to Winnebago City, Minn. Here he received his early education. At the age of 16 years he went to Vermillion, S.D., where he started his first shop. Later he started a shop at LeMars, Iowa, before moving to Sioux City in the spring of 1886. He established his first shop in Sioux City near Fourth and Court streets.

Besides his widow, he is survived by one brother, James Smith, of Detroit, Mich., and two sisters, Mrs. J. H. Harley, of Minneapolis, Minn., and Mrs. J. B. Mathews, of Fergus Falls, Minn. Funeral arrangements have not been made. Woodmen of the World, of which he had been a member for 22 years, will have charge of funeral services.