Mary Elizabeth (Crawford) Smith (1846-1926)

CRAWFORD, CUMMINS, PARDUN, SMITH, STACY, STEVENSON, SWIFT, WILKIN

Posted By: Eileen Reed
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:53

May 8, 1846 --- June 11, 1926

Mrs. Nelson Smith

Mary Elizabeth Crawford was born in Carroll county, Ohio, on May 8, 1846, and died at her home five miles south of Clarion, Iowa, on June 11, 1926, being at the time of death a little past eighty years of age. She was the daughter of Matthew and Frances (Stevenson) Crawford, who were natives of Ireland. She was one of a family of twelve children, six girls and six boys. She came with her parents to Washington county, Iowa, when two and a half months old, where she received a common school education and grew to womanhood. She was united in marriage to Nelson Smith on November 3, 1868. They resided on a farm until March, 1876, when they moved to Wright county, where they had purchased a quarter section of partially improved land, and where she lived for the rest of her life.

To Mr. and Mrs. Smith four children were born: William Everett Smith, who resided with the mother in the old home; Anna Jane, deceased; Mrs. Frances Elizabeth Cummins, of Britt, and Ralph P. Smith of Clarion. There are five grandchildren and one great grandchild. She is also survived by two sisters: Mrs. Esther A. Pardun of Clarion, and Mrs. Emily E. Wilkin of Cooper. Her husband died on December 1, 1920, they having celebrated their golden wedding anniversary two years before.

Mrs. Smith was a charter member the Keota United Presbyterian Church, and when that congregation celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its organization a few years ago, she was one of two charter members still alive. Many testify to her Christian faith and fidelity.

Funeral services were held in the home on Sabbath afternoon, June 13, 1926, conducted by Rev. John S. Pollock, pastor of the United Presbyterian church. Interment was in Evergreen cemetery.

Those present at the funeral from outside the community were: Mrs. Emily F. Wilkin and Miss Grace Wilkin of Cooper, Miss Lu Stacy of Brighton, Steve Crawford of Washington, Dr. Guy Crawford of Dumont and Mrs. A. T. Swift of Wendell, Minn.

Wright County Monitor --- Clarion, Iowa
June 16, 1926