Smith, Nellie (Peck) 1864 - 1952

SMITH, PECK, KING, BECKER, POLLOCK

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 4/13/2025 at 13:43:14

Clayton County Register, 09 Oct. 1952.

Nellie King Peck was born May 08, 1864, to Mr. and Mrs. George S. Peck at the Peck farm home on Cox Creek, five miles southeast of Volga, Iowa. She was the sixth daughter of the family. Her early life was the usual one of children reared in the country in the period following the Civil War. Though deprived of church attendance, she was early taught the principles of truth, honesty and sobriety, which go far toward right living and thinking.

Sha attended country school near her home until the age of twelve years, when she entered the school at Volga, which was then taught by Mrs. Lucy Goodwin. Two of her sisters had homes at Volga with whom she made her home and attended church and school. At the age of fourteen, under the guidance of Christian Evangelist the Rev. A. F. Graves and wife, she attained a clear vision of Christ. At the age of sixteen she began her career as a country school teacher in Clayton County. For five years she taught, and during vacation periods she sought instruction at Upper Iowa and other places.

On October 07, 1885 she was united in marriage to Wesley A. Smith, a resident of Volga. The ceremony took place at the Peck family home, and the officiating clergyman was the Rev. J. G. Whitfard of Volga. Their home was established in Volga where Mr. Smith was in business for many years.

Four children were born to them Florence E. in 1886 (later Mrs. Ray Pollock who died in 1912, leaving a little son); Clifton C. in 1888; Gladys C. in 1892 (Now the wife of Carl F. Becker); and Wesley A. Jr. in 1900. Mrs. Smith united with the Methodist Church at Volga in 185. She has been a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union for sixty years. She also joined the Federated Woman's Clubs wherever she lived. She was always interested in promoting educational and civic advancement in her town, state and country; and in the franchise for women, until it was attained.

She leaves two sons Clifton C. Smith, and Wesley A. Smith Jr.; and a daughter, Mrs. Gladys Becker. She also leaves four granddaughters, fur grandsons, and fourteen great-grandsons, also one brother, Barnum Peck of Atlanta, Georgia.

Death came early Saturday morning, October 04, 1952. Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Volga, Monday afternoon. Friends brought flowers and came to sit with the bereaved family. Mrs. Archie Fox sang "Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus," and Mrs. Leo Grether and Mrs. Donald Whitford sang "The Old Rugged Cross." Mrs. Wallace Oldfather was the piano accompanist. Her pastor, the Rev. Floyd R. Maynard read: I Peter I: 1 to 9 and preached that the things that try our faith may be found unto praise and honor (next few words blurred). Burial was made beside the husband and daughter in Hill Crest Cemetery west of Volga.

Casket bearers were Frank Phillips, Harry Rinkert, Roy Candee, Fred Gernand, Robert Boleyn and Herman Baars.

___ton Smith oof Milwaukee, Wesley Smith of Oklahoma City, Carl F. Becker of Cedar Rapids and Roy Pollock of Elma were present at the funeral service.