Lawrence Smith (1823-1905)

SMITH, OLMSTEAD, SELLS, MITCHELL

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 2/8/2025 at 20:23:18

From Jewell Record July 21, 1905 (page 1)

DEATH OF LAWRENCE SMITH

Was For Forty Years A Resident of Hamilton County, Locating in 1860 Near Ellsworth.

DIED IN CHICAGO 82 YEARS OF AGE

Webster City Freeman-Tribune: Lawrence Smith, for more than forty years a resident of Hamilton county and on of the pioneer settlers died at his home in Chicago on the 8th inst. from a sudden attack of bilious colic. Considering his advanced age--82 years--his death was not wholly unexpected and yet he had been enjoying such excellent health that it was quite a shock to his family. Only his wife was present when he passed away.

He was born on a farm near Cleveland, Ohio, May 15, 1823. He came from sturdy stock, many of his ancestors having lived to near the century mark. He was third in a family of fifteen children, all of whom, except one brother and one sister, had preceded him to the great unknown.

He leaves behind a widow Elizabeth, three sons, Julius W. and Artemus J., who reside in Chicago, and Charles A. in South Dakota, and two daughters, Mrs. J. W. Olmstead, of Whitten, Iowa, and Mrs. Joseph W. Sells, now living in North Dakota, twenty-one grandchildren and two great-grand-children, all of whom idolized him. Of his relatives, only those in Chicago, and his sister, Mrs. Mitchell, attended the funeral. He was laid to rest in Forest Home Cemetery, Chicago, one of the most beautiful burying grounds in the country.

The deceased moved to Hamilton county in 1860 and settled on a farm just south of Ellsworth, where he left the farm and moved to this city. About five years ago he sold his home here and he and his wife went to Whitten to live with their oldest daughter, and two years later moved to Chicago where they bought another home. His youngest son, Artemus J., has been living with them and looking after their welfare. Through his efforts and good management the estate has been largely increased during the past year, and though he died intestate his affairs were left in comparatively good shape. The management will be carried on by Artemus J., who will be appointed administrator.