Sarah Jane Smith 1851 - 1938

SMITH, ASHMORE

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/16/2022 at 09:23:46

The Anthon Herald
4 January 1939

Last May Mrs. Smith was stricken with what proved to be her last illness, and since that time, with the exception of a few weeks until her death at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 29, 1938, she had been bedfast from infirmities incident to old age. She was a patient sufferer and received the tenderest care from her children, especially her daughter, May, who has lived at home and been a constant companion of her mother.

Sarah Jane Smith was born at Arena, Wisconsin, July 11, 1851. She came with her parents to Fayette Co., Iowa, in 1864. While a resident there she was united in marriage with William Smith in 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Smith came to Woodbury County to live in 1885. They owned and operated a farm seven miles southeast of Correctionville until 1910, when Mrs. Smith came to town to make her home.

Mr. Smith died March 29, 1905.

Mrs. Smith was the mother of thirteen children, three of whom preceded their mother in death; namely, Mrs. Nettie Clark, Mrs. Clara Bice and Mrs. Sadie Goff.

The surviving children are Mrs. Lydia Watson, William, May, Mrs. Luella Huss, Mrs. Minnie Brink, Mrs. Jennie Pierson of Sioux City, Mrs. Mildred Madison, Robert and Clarence of Laurel, Montana.

There are forty-seven grandchildren and fifty-two great grandchildren making the total number of living descendants 109. Homer Ashmore of Correctionville is the only living member of her parents' family.

Beside her home and her children, whom she always wanted to have near her and for whom she gave a mother's love and devotion without stint, Mrs. Smith's greatest interest was in her church. She was converted to the Christian faith at a revival meeting in the Coon Creek neighborhood over forty-five years ago and was one of the charter members of the Bethel United Evangelical Church, which was formed following that series of meetings. Following her removal to town her membership was transferred to the Evangelical Church in Correctionville, which she served loyally through the years in many capacities.

She was president of the Ladies Aid Society for about fifteen years and for several years served as a steward. She was a member of the Loyal Christian Sisters Club practically throughout its existence. There was a patriotic interest and loyalty in this family also. William Smith was a Civil War Veteran, and for many years a member of the local G.A.R. post. His brother, Joe Smith, will be remembered as the bass drummer in the fife and drum corps. This interest Mrs. Smith carried into her membership in the Women's Relief Corps. For approximately twenty years she served as chaplain of that organization and demonstrated a lively interest in its work as long as her strength would permit.

Mrs. Smith was a woman of irreproachable character, high ideals and generous disposition. She was devoutly religious and found her Christian faith a strength in every hour of need.

Funeral services were conducted at the Evangelical church Saturday, December 31, at 2 p.m. in charge of Dist. Supt. John V. Madison of Sioux City, assisted by Rev. Strayfeller of LeMars. A quartet, composed of Rev. O.E. Schaal, Lawrence Schaal, Gladys Bucklin and Mrs. M. Castle sang "The Old Rugged Cross", "In the Garden", and "Never Grow Old". They were accompanied at the piano by Mrs. J.M. Frost.

Pallbearers were W.H. Thompson and Ed Petty of Sioux City, Frank Carrington, V.R. Dewey, Andy Trimble and Wm. Downey.

Interment was in the Bethel cemetery beside her husband under the direction of the Brink Funeral Home of Marcus.