50th Wedding of Melissa and Joseph Smith
From the Beresford Republic, 1904:
Fifty years ago the fifteenth day of this month, in Clinton County, Iowa there occurred the marriage of Miss Melissa Walrod to Mr. Joseph Smith. The country was new at the time and unusual opportunities were accorded the young man who wished to make a home for himself. Mr. Smith and his bride settled upon a farm and began life under the most happy circumstances. Soon little people began coming to the home to occupy the attention of the parents and complete the union. In all, some twenty-seven years were passed in Clinton County. About one year was passed in LaPage County , and some twenty years ago Mr. Smith and his family moved to Ireton where they resided until they came to Beresford some four years ago. Since coming to Beresford, Mrs. Smith has not enjoyed the best of health but although bearing the weight of somewhat advanced years, has been active in church work while making a living. The union was blessed with a large family of children, who during the passing years have grown to maturity and have gone to their respective homes and left the family the same numerically as it was fifty years ago back in Clinton County. Ten children have been born to them, all of whom are still living. Five of the eleven were present at the anniversary. They were : Eugene Smith, Mrs. F. H. Coffin, Mrs. Laura Brown, H. O . Smith of Ireton and Glen Smith of Beresford. Mrs. Jane Murphy of Hawarden, sister of the "bride" and Mr. and Mrs. E . A. Lindeman were also present. Mr. and Mrs. Smith can also boast of 45 living grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
A company consisting mainly of near relatives assembled at the home of the couple last Saturday evening in honor of the fact that it was their golden wedding anniversary. Happiness and mirth abounded, but underneath there was the fact that the passing of the years has left its impress upon the couple and the whitened hairs and the bent forms told all too plainly that there will in all probability not be many more anniversaries where the reunion will be as complete. Supper was served and a pleasant evening was passed, during which it was made known that besides the assembling in honor of the occasion the friends had prepared a present which was suitable and in all amounted to $112.50 in gold. Friends at Ireton had made up a purse of $21.00 and at LeMars of $24.00 which with $67.50 from the Beresford friends had made the above sum. It is true that there are times in all our lives when a substantial sum of money, especially when it comes as a surprise, is highly appreciated, but in addition to this fact Mr. and Mrs. Smith feel grateful beyond words to express for being remembered by their friends. It makes them feel almost as if they wished to under take another fifty years on this old earth after all.
The Republic would congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Smith for their having rounded out a half-century of happy wedded life and would bespeak for them as many more as Providence may permit.
Accompanying the present from LeMars, there was a letter which we take the liberty of publishing in full. It reads a s follows: LeMars, Iowa, Oct. 13, 1904. Dear Brother and Sister Smith, Your numerous friends in and around LeMars consider the fiftieth anniversary of your wedding a fitting opportunity for giving expression to their approval of the efficient manner in which you served as the first president of our Plymouth County Holiness Association and in every relation in which I have been brought into contact with you for almost fourteen years I have found you the truest of friends, always in the lead to push Gods' cause ahead, regardless of everything else. Your home was open to everyone whom you believed to be true to God. I never shall forget the many hot days on the camp grounds and the many winter days in your home where dear sister Smith toiled and cooked for evangelists and workers and others trying to do all in her power to prosper Gods' Kingdom. There are few such faithful souls on earth. My prayer is that the dear Lord will relieve her from pain of body till He takes her to Himself where the dear soul will get her reward.
Now dear brother and sister Smith, I ask your acceptance of the accompanying small present with the assurance of our best wishes for your happiness during the remainder of your life. Signed on behalf of the members of the association, R. Henry
Card of Thanks:
We wish most heartily to thank the kind friends who remembered our golden wedding anniversary. We are more than grateful for the present and for being remembered by you. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Smith
Obituary for Melissa (Walrod) Smith
From the Beresford Republic, September 1906:
Mrs. Joseph Smith passed away at her home in Beresford last Friday forenoon. The announcement was not a surprise t o the people of Beresford, for it had been known for some time that the spirit was striving for the mastery, and the weakened body could not long withstand the demands of the aggressor. For the past three years, Mrs. Smith had not bee n permitted to walk, yet her affliction was accepted without a complaint, and as the time drew near when she felt the hour of departure was near at hand, the Christian character which had been hers for many years, shone brighter than ever. She was conscious to the last, and before the spirit took its' flight she begged her people not to mourn, for said she "I will soon be in Heaven."
Melissa A. Walrod was born in Wayne County, New York, in 18 41. She was married in 1854 to Joseph Smith, whose constant companion she has been during these many years. The marriage took place in Clinton County, Iowa, where they lived f or twenty-one years. From the union ten children were born, all of whom are now living. They are as follows: B. C . and E. D. Smith of Beresford; Mrs. Frank Coffin until recently of Beresford; Mrs. Ranger of Pasadena, California; Mrs. Merril of Auburn, Iowa; Mrs. Bailey of Delmar, Iowa; Harry of Ireton, Iowa; C. L. of Wishek, N. Dak.; Mrs. Herbert Brown and Glenn both of Beresford.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith came to Beresford in 1900, and since about that time the deceased has suffered from rheumatism, and poor health in other ways and for the past three years ha s been unable to walk. At the age of sixteen years, she united with the Methodist Church, and until the hour of her death she has rested completely in the faith of that doctrine.
The funeral occurred from the M. E. Church Sunday afternoon, the services being conducted by Rev. W. O. Redfield and a large audience assembled to pay their respects to the departed. The sermon was preached from the text: "Who can count the fourth part of the dust of Jacob? Let me die the death of the righteous and let my last end be like his. " He drew from the text the thought that the Children of Israel were Gods' people, were a chosen people, a numerous people, a feared people, a happy people, and from these analogies he paid the memory of the departed a fine tribute.
To the bereaved, there are no words of condolence. There is nothing to regret. She has lived well and died even better, and while her departure leaves you lonely, she has only been transplanted to realms beyond and is awaiting you there.
Obituary of Joseph Smith
From the Burnstad ND newspaper:
Joseph Smith was born at Wolcott, N. Y., May 29, 1832, and died Sept. 7, 1916. Being at the time of death, 84 years, 3 months and 8 days of age.
In 1854 he was united in marriage to Melissa A. Walrod and to this union ten children were born, nine of whom survive his death.
Since the death of his wife, which occurred ten years ago, he has lived with his children and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. F. H. Coffin.
He united with the Methodist Church in 1884 and lived a faithful Chirstian life to the end.
Funeral services were held at the Coffin home Friday morning, conducted by Rev. Kinder of Napoleon and Griffith of Ellendale. The remains were brought to Burnstad followed by a number of his friends and from here were taken to his old home at Beresford, S. D. for burial. Funeral services were again held at the Methodist Church at Beresford Saturday afternoon conducted by Rev. Dibble of that place.
From the Beresford Republic, September 7, 1916:
The death of Joseph Smith at Burnstad, North Dakota, last Thursday closed the life story of a unique character. Born in the family of a circuit riding Methodist preacher Ma y 29, 1832, he lost his mother at the age of 18 and leaving home he went to work on the Erie Canal first as a driver on the tow path and later as a pilot. At the age of 20 h e came west and settled in Clinton County, Iowa where in 1854 he was united in marriage to Melissa Walrod. In 1884 h e again went west and settled in Ireton, where he farmed until some 17 years ago when he came to Beresford and built a modest home. Ten years ago the wife sickened and died and from that time on he has lived with his children here and in North Dakota. He was at the Frank Coffin home when the end came.
As a young man Mr. Smith was a character. No party in the neighborhood was complete without him for he furnished the amusement. While he never started trouble, anyone who wanted a fight could get accommodation, and it mattered not which one was victorious, the matter would be settled and the two would thereafter be friends. While threshing in an early day, his clothing became wrapped around the tumbling rod near the separator and the accident resulted in the breaking of the bones of both legs; he was left with one weak ankle which compelled him to use a cane during his last days . When about 59 years of age he became soundly converted and his earnest nature was then turned in that direction. He was known in Beresford as a thorough church member and a devout Christian. He was a class leader in the Methodist Church for several years.
Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, all of whom were living until within the last year when Mrs. N. M. Ranger died at Pomona, Cal. The other nine are Ben, of Burnstad , N. D.; E. D. of Beresford; Mrs. Frank Coffin of Burnstad ; Mrs. Merrill of Auburn, Iowa; Mrs. Jennie Bailey of Colfax, N. D.; H. O. of Napoleon, N. D.; C. L. of Burnstad; Mrs . Brown of Ellendale and Glen of Burnstad. Ben and Leslie accompanied the remains to Beresford.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Rev. J. B. Dibble preaching the sermon and comparing the life to a ripened sheaf of corn in a very able and exhaustive way. Interment was beside the wife in the local cemetery.
It is of interest to note that while short notice of the funeral was given several old time friends came to the funeral from Ireton. Among these were Rev. and Mrs. Deane, Mr. and Mrs. Lindeman and daughter and Tom White and son.
The Republic would extend sympathy to the bereaved relatives though there is call for very little sympathy. Father Smith has run well the course set before him and has come off more than victor. If human standards are correct his reward will be an eternal life with his Maker.
BENSON CLAIRE SMITH:
Obituary from the Beresford Republic:
Benson Claire Smith was born in Welton, Clinton Co., Iowa J une 27, 1856. He passed away at the home of his son Lloyd Smith in Beresford, March, 5, 1923.
His boyhood days were spent in Clinton County, Iowa. At the age of 19 he entered high school at Maquoketa, Jackson County, Iowa. Later he moved with his parents to Monmouth, Jackson County.
In 1880 he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Davis of Welton. To this union nine children were born. In 1887, he and his family moved to Beresford, S. D. He leaves seven children: Mrs. C. Hoffman, of Beresford, Mrs. F. Adams, of Beresford, Mrs. Earl Price, of St. Louis, Mo., Mrs. T. N. Sunday, Lloyd, Joe and Ernest, all of Beresford. Four sister s, Mrs. F. Coffin and Mrs. E. H. Merrill, of Rapid City, S . D. Mrs. H. Bailey, of Minneapolis, Minn., Mrs. H. Brown , of Cleveland, N. Dak., and four brothers, H. O. Smith, o f Minneapolis, Minn., C. L. Smith of Burnstad, N. Dak., F . G. Smith of Mandan, N. Dak. and E. D. Smith, of Beresford, mourn the loss of their brother.
Interment was made in the Beresford Cemetery after Funeral Services conducted by Rev. A. R. Hyatt at the home of Mr. an d Mrs. Lloyd Smith on Second Street.
Card of Thanks:
We wish to sincerely thank the many kind friends and neighbors who assisted us during the sickness and following the death of our father and brother, B. C. Smith. Signed: The Children and Brothers and Sisters
EUGENE DAVID SMITH:
All possessions and property that I attain will go to my wife Charlotte Smith.
Signature of E. D. Smith
Obituary from the Beresford Republic, January 1951:
Funeral services were conducted here Thursday for E. D. Smith, 92, at the Methodist Church. Mr. Smith is one of Beresford's oldest residents.
Eugene David Smith was born May 22, 1858 at Welton, Clinton County, Iowa, one of a family of ten children to parents Joseph and Melissa Walrod Smith.
When working on the farm, at the age of 18, he suffered a sunstroke. An overdose of medicine that had been prescribed for him caused him to lose the total sight of his eyes and hearing. After the passing of three years, he gained back his hearing, but only the partial use of his eyesight despite all the doctors that were consulted, including specialists.
He entered the college at Vinton, Iowa from whose musical school he graduated. Soon after he moved to Ireton, Iowa, where for four years he operated a music store in connection with a drug store there. Seeking new fields, he answered the call of the west and emigrated, coming to Beresford in 1894, where he was united in marriage to Charlotte Harris, Dec., 19, 1895, to which union two children were born.
July 4, 1898 he celebrated Independence Day by opening Beresford's first music store. In addition to the sale of a full stock of all kinds of musical instruments, he taught music, and though greatly handicapped by the almost total loss of his eyesight, was known far and wide for his knowledge of music and his ability to impart that knowledge to his students.
He continued this vocation until 1924, when, due to failing health, he retired from business. Despite his physical handicaps, he retained mind and faculties and keen sense of humor up to almost the very last, even though confined to his bed since early fall.
Mr. Smith had been a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, and for many years served on the board of trustees and stewards of the local Methodist Church, until failing health caused his retirement.
He entered into rest late Monday afternoon, Jan. 15, at the home of his son, DeLoss, in Beresford, after 56 years of continuous residence here. He had attained the age of 92 years, 7 months and 23 days.
In addition to his parents, he has been preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters, his wife Charlotte, June 8, 1 942, and his daughter, Mrs. Fern Eidsmoe Evenson, in 1946.
Survivors include one son, DeLoss Smith, Beresford, four grandchildren: Marilyn Eidsmoe, Kansas City, Mo.; Veryl Eidsmoe, Cedar Falls, Iowa; Boyce Smith, Beresford and Mrs. Francis Carlson, Beresford. Five great grandchildren, one brother, L. C. Smith, Ellendale, N. Dak., and one sister, Mrs. Laura Brown, Jamestown, N. Dak.
Memorial services are being held this afternoon from the Methodist Church at 2:00 with the Rev. W. Morris Kildal officiating.
Music was furnished by Mrs. Desmond Westberg, Mrs. E. F. Blankenburg, Al Henderson and Mel Holm. Mrs. W. C. Jackson accompanied them.
Flower arrangements were by Mrs. Ed Olson and Mrs. Elmer Duerst.
E. F. Blankenburg, E. W. Smith, Fred Thompson, Berge Fillin gsness, Elmer Duerst and Jacob Voegeli served as casket bearers.
Following the services he will be laid to rest beside his wife in the family plot in Beresford City Cemetery.
HORACE EDWARD BAILEY:
Obituary from the Delmar Journal, June 12, 1899:
"Horace Bailey, living one mile west of town was killed by the cars this noon near the Shollenberger crossing. Horace had been working for the Ferguson Company. At dinner time today, he stepped off the little engine on which he was working onto the main railway track not observing a freight train that was backing up and the caboose struck him before he could get out of its way. He was fearfully bruised about the head and one leg was injured. The train crew immediately brought him here, but he died before reaching town and the body was taken to Undertaker George's to be prepared for burial. It is a very sad and shocking accident and deep sympathy is felt for his wife and little children . He is the son of O. C. Bailey, an old resident of this county".
Obituary from the Jackson Sentinel, June 15, 1899:
"Last Friday Horace Bailey, a young married man who lived a mile west of Delmar, was struck by a caboose of a freight train and almost instantly killed. He had been working for contractor Ferguson on the dummy engine, which is run on a narrow gauge track along side the main line, and at the noon hour when near the Shollenberger farm, stepped from it onto the main line just as a freight train was backing up, and not noticing it, stepped in front of the caboose . He was picked up by the crew and taken to Delmar but died before reaching there. He was the son of Mr. O. C. Bailey and leaves a wife and three small children".
NELLIE MCNALLEY:
From the Beresford Republic, February 17, 1918:
The remains of Mrs. H. O. Smith, who died at Napoleon, N. D ., last week, were brought here Friday and funeral services were held from the Catholic Church at 10 o'clock. The service was largely attended by the many sorrowing relatives and friends of the deceased, which attested to the high esteem in which she was held by the old time friends in this vicinity.
Mrs. Smith was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. McNally and was born in Washington Township, Sioux County, Iowa, on February 11, 1875. She was united in marriage to H. O. Smith on February 5, 1899. To this union three sons and three daughters were born, who with her husband, father and mother, and four brothers and one sister survive her. The deepest sympathy of the entire community goes out to the bereaved relatives.
CHARLES LESLIE SMITH:
Obituary from the Wishek ND newspaper, January 16, 1961:
Funeral services were held in the Methodist Church in Ellendale for Charles L. Smith, former Wishek pioneer, who lived at the Wahpeton Rehabilitation Home.
Mr. Smith was born in Iowa Dec. 11, 1874. He was married to Miss Clara White in Ireton, Iowa, on May 31, 1896. Mr. Smith taught school in Iowa until 1904, when he moved to North Dakota and homesteaded in the Morningside District of Logan County. In 1916 he moved to Burnstad and taught school . In 1917 C. L. bought a half interest in "The Livery Barn " in Wishek with Newton Pericle. In 1919 Mr. Smith moved back to the homestead where they remained until 1939, when Mr. and Mrs. Smith retired and made their home in Ellendale.
Mr. Smith was active in the "Literary Society," where debates were held between Red Lake School and Morningside School . He was also instrumental in organizing a Methodist Church and Sunday School in the Morningside School and also helped to have annual camp meetings to be held on the east shore of Red Lake.
Mrs. Smith died in 1959.
Survivrors include his five children, Mrs. Otto (Eva) Bauer , Seattle, Wash., Mrs. Lloyd (Ora) Smith, Salem, Ore., Sybil, Ellendale, Delbert, Ellendale, and Mrs. Leslie Nagel, Willow Creek, Wash.
BARBARA CLARINDA WHITE:
Obituary from Ellendale ND newspaper, July, 1959:
Funeral services for Mrs. C. L. Smith, 82, who died Sunday in a Jamestown hospital, will be held at 2 p.m. today i n the Ellendale Methodist Church. Rev. D. W. Nankivel, church pastor, will officiate and burial will be in the Ellendale Cemetery.
Barbara Clara White was born at Ireton, Ia. Mar. 20, 1877, the daughter of Thomas and Mary White. She received her public school education in Iowa, and at an early age was baptized and joined the Methodist Church.
At 13 years of age she was church organist and performed this service for many years in various churches with which she was associated.
She was united in marriage in the year 1896 to Charles Leslie Smith. In 1904, with their three small daughters, the Smiths homesteaded in Logan County, N. D. near Burnstad where their son and another daughter were born.
This farm was their home until 1939 when they moved to Ellendale and became members of the local Methodist Church.
She is survived by her husband and five children, a son, Delbert, of Ellendale, and four daughters, Mrs. (Eva) Otto Bauer, Seattle, Wash., Mrs. (Ora) Lloyd Smith, Salem, Ore., Mrs. (Leslie) A. F. Nagel, Wilson Creek, Wash., and Miss Sibyl Smith, at home. She is also survived by one brother, Alvin White, Ireton, Ia., four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
The Holte Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
FELICIA MABEL MCQUAY:
Obituary from the Mandan ND newspaper, January 26, 1935:
Funeral services were this afternoon from the Salvation Arm y Citadel here for Mrs. F. G. Smith, 51, who died at her home late Saturday. Captain E. Anderson, Jamestown, officiated, and was assisted by Captain M. Klinsert. Adjutants F. Petrie and F. Edwards, sang two numbers, "Face to Face" and "Safe in the Arms of Jesus." At the close of the services Adjutant Edwards sang a solo, "The Eastern Gate."
Felicia Mabel McQuay Smith was born April 29, 1883 in Lincoln, Neb. She was married to Frank Glenn Smith at Canton , S. D. , October 21, 1902. They made their home at Beresford, S. D., until 1918 when they came to Mandan, where the y have since resided.
Six children were born to them, four of whom survive, Frank Smith and Ray Smith both of Mandan and Mrs. Edna William and Miss Hazel Smith both of Los Angeles. Also surviving is her husband, five grandchildren, two brothers, John and Lyle McQuay of Los Angeles and a sister, Mrs. E. H. Walker of Beresford, S. D.
The deceased had been ill for several years, and on December 26 of the past year suffered a stroke, from which she failed to recover.
Mrs. Smith had been a Salvation Army member ever since a young girl, and had taken an active part in all activities o f the local corps. Among the offices held in the local corps were Young People Sergeant-Major; C. C. Guardiana; Sunday School teacher, and War Cry Sergeant.
Acting as pallbearers were W. S. Hensen, Art Lanz, Charles Roth, Jr., Harley Hone, Andy Anderson and L. Stuhdreal.
