FRANK M. SMITH is the directing head of a business, a department store in scope, which is known to every family in Rooks County and which for many years has had an undeviating patronage among the best families in and around Stockton. He has spent most of his life in Rooks County and is a son of the late John Thomas Smith, whose life was a noteworthy contribution to that community.

John Thomas Smith was born on a farm in Andrew County, Missouri, September 22, 1850, and died suddenly at Stockton October 3, 1917, aged sixty-seven years and eleven days. As a boy he showed ambition to acquire more than an average education and made the most of opportunities. He attended the public schools, the high school at Savannah, Missouri, the Kirksville Normal School and the St. Joseph Business College, paying his way through most of these institutions by his individual earnings. He taught school for several years, his work as teacher being done in Missouri, Colorado and one term in Paradise Township of Rooks County.

October 31, 1874, he married Martha Elizabeth Snowden, one of the pupils in a school where he taught. After his marriage Mr. Smith went to Colorado and spent five years herding and rounding up cattle along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, between Pueblo and Colorado Springs. Seeking a permanent home, he found it when a chance visit brought him to Rooks County in 1879. He took up a homestead in Paradise Township, but was soon more than a homesteader or farmer in that locality. He taught a school, was a township officer, and in 1886 was elected county clerk, moving his family to Stockton. His record as county clerk for four years set a high standard for efficiency in the conduct of the affairs of that office. In 1890 he formed a partnership in the hardware business with C. H. Dewey, who retired after six years and left Mr. Smith to conduct the business alone. After one change in location the business was moved to the building now owned by the J. T. Smith Hardware Company. In 1902 Mr. Smith bought the Wilson Furniture and Hardware Business, and the two stores were then conducted as the J. T. Smith Hardware and Furniture Company. For fifteen years he was an ideal example of the service that can be rendered by an undertaker. He was a member of the city council, for four years was mayor, and it was largely through his efforts that the Stockton Cemetery was bought by the city and plans made for its beautification. He was a member of five fraternal organizations and for thirty-one years was a Mason, for twenty-three years he was a member of the Eastern Star, and in 1888 was initiated into the Odd Fellows. He was also a member of the Knights and Ladies of Security, being president of the Stockton Council at the time of his death. He belonged to the Modern Woodmen of America and had been a member of the National Guard. At the age of sixteen he joined the Christian Church, but his later years were spent in membership and communion with the Congregational Church.

Beyond this brief statement of facts the best appreciation of J. T. Smith’s career and character is found in the words of his pastor: “For nearly forty, years he has lived in Rooks county, and but few men have come in contact with more people in business, social life and religious work than he did. As a county official he knew what was right, and did what was best for the people. While he was managing the affairs of Stockton as mayor he showed the same honesty and good judgment that he used as a county official. He did not seek office for himself but that he might be of service to the county and town where he lived. As a successful business man he was willing to give his time and means to the community that had helped him to succeed. In the councils of the lodgeroom or the church his judgment and faithfulness will be missed. There are young men here today who have been influenced by his life who will take up the work that he has laid down and learn the joy of service. His heart was as sensitive as that of a child. His work during the past fifteen years in hundreds of sorrowing homes with their tears and broken hearts made him as tender and sympathetic as a woman. He lived a beautiful life and at the end was rewarded by being called home without a pain.”

Martha Elizabeth Snowden, wife of J. T. Smith, was born in Andrew County, Missouri, in 1854 and is still living at Stockton. They had four children: Frank M.; Ada, who died at the age of twenty-eight, the wife of B. C. Slason, a farmer at Stockton; Edith, wife of J. J. Winter, secretary of the Metz Packing Company at Concordia, Kansas; and Myrtle, wife of E. J. White, business partner of Frank M. Smith at Stockton.

Frank M. Smith was born at Savannah, Missouri, October 28, 1876, and was three years old when his parents located in Rooks County. He attended the rural schools, graduated from the high school at Stockton in 1894, and after two years experience in a store learning the business he entered the hardware and furniture business with his father and later with E. J. White as partner. As above noted, this is the leading store of its kind in Rooks County and in Western Kansas, and draws a trade from a radius of twenty-five and even forty miles away. The partners owns [sic] the building in which the store is located, which affords space on the main floor 25 by 150 feet, an upper story 25 by 80 feet, and a basement 50 by 150 feet.

Mr. Smith is secretary of the Rooks County Fair Association. He has been a leader in the war activities of Rooks County, and from the beginning of the war was chairman of the County Council of Defense. Much credit is due his capable administration for the fact that Rooks County always quickly responded and “went over the top” in every campaign for funds.

Mr. Smith is a republican, a member of the Congregational Church, was several times elected worshipful master of Newahcuba Lodge No. 189, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, is past high priest of Solomon Valley Chapter No. 81, Royal Arch Masons, a member of Phillipsburg Commandery of the Knights Templar, of Isis Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Salina, and of Concordia Lodge No. 586, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Smith has a beautiful modern home surrounded by fruit and shade trees, the house being built in 1906. June 3, 1903, at Stockton, Frank M. Smith married Miss Eva M. Brobst, daughter of J. H. and Belle Brobst. Her father, now deceased, was a pioneer attorney of Stockton. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have three children: Ethel, born in 1904; John, born in 1908; and Edwin, born in 1914.

Source: A Standard History of Kansas and Kansans, 1919, pp. 2403-04
Submitted: Monica Schirmer Eshelman

Date of Death: 20 Feb 1876
Subject: Jarvis Smith
Source: Andrew County Republican, 3 Mar 1876, p. 8

Died. Mr. Jarvis Smith, an old resident of this county, died, near Rochester, Feb. 20th, 1876. Aged, seventy-five years.

Date of Death: 19 Oct 1898
Subject: James Smith
Source: Holt County Sentinel, 12 Apr 1901, p. 4

During the last few years five persons have been foully murdered in Andrew county– A. H. Williams at Avenue City; James Smith, at Nodaway station; Henry Speth and Guy Shilliam, near the Maple Leaf railroad south of Savannah, and Frank W. Richardson inside his own home in Savannah– and yet, not one of the murderers has been punished. Certainly Andrew county is acquiring an unenviable record abroad.– Savannah Reporter

Date of Death: 1 Apr 1906
Subject: Henry Smith
Source: Rochester [IN] Evening Sentinel, 2 Apr 1906

The community was greatly shocked yesterday evening when Henry Smith fell on the street from apoplexy and died soon after being carried into Richter’s drug store.

Mr. Smith had been busy about his home during the day, but had not been feeling well for some days and told his wife he would go down town and get some groceries and maybe see a doctor and inquire if he needed some medicine. He walked down with Hugh Barnhart and chatted and laughed in his usual merry manner and stepped into a grocery and made some purchases. The next any one noticed him he fell to the pavement near the Bank of Indiana corner, and was carried into Richter’s drug store where Dr. Chas. Gould hurried to him but death was already present.

Henry D. [sic] Smith was born at Loral, Pennsylvania, November 6, 1835. There in 1858 he was united in marriage with Katherine Laney, and a few years later they moved to Savannah, Missouri, where they resided until her death in 1896. In 1898 he came to Rochester and on December 23, 1899, was married to Mrs. Perscilla A. Carter, and they have since lived in Rochester. Mr. Smith leaves one daughter, Mrs. Fred Hartley, of Savannah, Missouri, two sisters, Mrs. Albert Highway, of near Athens, and Mrs. Ellen Wiltshire, of near Macy, and one brother, Jerry D. Smith, of this place.

Henry Smith was an ideal old gentleman. As a neighbor and husband he was always a cheerful and jovial companion, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was an active member of the Methodist church, a strong advocate of temperance, honesty, and all of the higher qualities of citizenship, and the community has lost a man whose daily life was an honor to him and a blessing to all of his associates.

The funeral will be held at the residence, Wednesday morning, at 11 o’clock, the Rev. W. F. Switzer, of the Methodist church, officiating. The body will be taken to Mr. Smith’s old home, Savannah, Missouri, for burial, leaving here on the Erie 12:50 train Wednesday. Mrs. Smith is unable to attend the funeral.

Date of Death: 29 Jul 1865
Subject: Hamilton Smith
Source: The Liberty Tribune [Clay Co., MO], 11 Aug 1865

Obituary. – Dr. Hamilton Smith, one of the oldest and most influential citizens of Andrew county, died on Saturday last at his residence in Savannah, and was buried yesterday. He was an intelligent and highly honorable business man, and respected by all who knew him. Many friends will mourn his demise. – St. Joseph Herald.

Date of Death: 20 Jan 1918
Subject: Guy Oren Smith
Source: Holt County Sentinel, 1 Feb 1918, p. 6

Guy Oren Smith was born in Holt county, Missouri, August 5, 1893, died at Base Hospital, Fort Riley, Kansas, January 20, 1918, aged 24 years, 5 months and 15 days. He professed faith in Christ and united with the M. E. church South at Kimsey, at the age of 15 years. He, with his brother, Walter K., enlisted Oct. 2, 1918, and were assigned at Camp Funston, Guy as a member of Headquarters company and Walter, of Co. M, 356th Infantry. Nine weeks of his three months service was spent in the hospital, his suffering there borne by that quiet patience which characterized his life. He was a most loving and dutiful son and brother, and numbered his friends by his acquaintances. He leaves a father, mother, sister, five brothers and a host of relatives who deeply mourn his early departure. The cause of his death was Addison’s disease.

The body arrived at King City, Thursday, Jan. 24, on the 11:15 train, and was taken to his home 4 miles northwest of King City. The funeral was held from the Star Chapel M. E. church, of which he was a member, Friday, January 25, at 11 o’clock, conducted by Rev. E. L. Trotter, assisted by J. M. Carter, D. D., of the M. E. church of King City, and the remains laid to rest in the cemetery adjoining the church.

XXX

The following from a distance were present at the funeral of Guy Smith: Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Loucks, Mr. and Mrs. D. F. Loucks, Mrs. H. E. Burnett and son, Lemon, L. M. Meyer, S. G. Loucks, Ed Narans, of Holt county; Mrs. Chas. Dawson, Mrs. Edith Scranton, Mrs. Harvey Cook, of South St. Joseph; A. L. Smith, of Fort Calhoun, Neb., and his brother, Walter K., of Camp Funston, Kansas, was also present.

XX

Date of Death: 6/10 Jan 1857
Subject: John M. Singleton
Source: North West Democrat, Saturday, January 10, 1857, p. 3

“Died of Scarlet Fever, the 6th instant John M., infant son of Milton R. and Helen E. Singleton, aged twelve months and 10 days.

Oh ever thus from childhood’s hours
We see our fondest hopes decay;
We never love a tree or flower,
But ’tis the first to fade away,
We never nurse a favorite child,
To glad us with its happy eye,
But when it comes to know us well,
And loves us, too, ’tis sure to die.”

Date of Death: 11 Jan 1895
Subject: Christina (Hilsenbeck) Simmons
Source: Holt County Sentinel, 1 Feb 1895, p. 4

Mrs. Christina Hilsenbeck-Simmons, wife of J. T. Simmons, died at her home in Andrew county, January 11, 1895. She was born in Germany, September 5, 1864, and was united in marriage to the now bereaved husband, in September, 1885. The deceased was a sister to our fellow citizen, Fred Hilsenbeck, and a sister-in-law to W. E. Simmons of near this city. She leaves a husband, two sons and a daughter, three sisters and three brothers to mourn her loss. The remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Fillmore.

Date of Death: 25 Sep 1904
Subject: William A. Simerly
Source: Holt County Sentinel, 21 Oct 1904, p. 8

The murder of William A. Simerly on his farm near Fillmore, September 25th, 1904, was committed by Joseph Simerly, his 19 year old cousin, who is now in jail in Savannah. The murderer has made a written confession of the deed and it is now in the hands of the prosecuting attorney of that county. In his story of the crime, there is said to be a notable similarity with the evidence before the coroner’s jury.

Source: Holt County Sentinel, 25 Nov 1904, p. 5

Joseph Simerly pleaded guilty in the Savannah circuit court, Thursday of last week, to the charge of having killed his cousin, William A. Simerly, and was sentenced to 40 years in the penitentiary. The murderer is 17 years old, and the crime was committed near Fillmore some two months ago, and was one of the most astrocious [sic] in the criminal annuals of Andrew county. They were cousins and the murdered man was waylaid in a pasture and shot. The crime was committed because the murdered man had ordered the young man to stay away from the home of the murdered man.

Date of Death: 7 Nov 1912
Subject: Rachel (Lance) Simerly
Source: Savannah Reporter, Nov 1912

Mrs. Rachel Simerly died at her home in Fillmore, November 7, at the age of 78 years. The funeral services were held in the M. E. Church in Fillmore and interment was in the Fillmore cemetery.

Date of Death: 13 Jul 1916
Subject: Errett Simerly
Source: Holt County Sentinel, 8 Jan 1917, p. 1

Oscar W. Simerly and son, Errett, were killed by lightning, July 13, near Oregon.

Date of Death: 6 Sep 1884
Subject: Daisy Simerly
Source: Savannah Reporter, 12 Sep 1884

Fillmore, 9 Sept.) William Simerly’s little girl, aged 18 months, died, last Saturday morning, with catarrhal fever. The funeral, which took place at the M. E. Church, Sunday, was attended by a large concourse of people. The sorrowing relatives received the full sympathy of their friends in their sad affliction.

Date of Death: 18 Jun 1905
Subject: Mary Ann (Lefler) Shunk
Source: Holt County Sentinel, 30 Jul 1905, p. 5

Mary Ann Shunk died at the home of Grant Napier in Holt county, Sunday, June 18, 1905, at the age of 82 years, 6 [sic] months and 11 days. The remains were buried in the Fillmore cemetery Monday, after brief funeral services at the residence, conducted by Rev. M. H. Jordan. Her husband and seven children preceded her in death, while six children and a number of grandchildren remain to mourn her loss. She was born in Perry county, Ohio, December 7, 1822. Her maiden name was Mary Ann Leffler [sic].– Fillmore Lever.

Date of Death: 30 Jul 1910
Subject: Emily (Adams) Shirley
Source: Holt County Sentinel, 12 Aug 1910, p. 2

Mrs. Emily Shirley was born in Indiana, in November, 1823, and died in Forest City, July 30, 1910, aged 47 years. She was sick only a few days and was willing to go with the message came. She lived a consistent Christian and was true to her faith. She was loved and honored by all who had the pleasure of meeting her. She leaves a sister, Mrs. Eliza Lyons, of Forest City, and one brother, Martin Adams, of Portland, Ore., and a number of nieces and nephews and a host of friends to mourn her departure. she had been making her home the past 5 years with her adopted son, David S. Beaty, of Atchison, Kan., for a number of years. She was a resident of Andrew county, near Nodaway, and was well and favorably known. Seven weeks ago she came to Forest City to assist in nursing and caring for her sister, Mrs. Eliza Lyons, who has been helpless the past six months, and owing to her illness only a quiet, short service was conducted at the home by Rev. Beal, pastor of the Baptist church, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Oregon cemetery.

Date of Death: 13 Aug 1909
Subject: Thalia (Kelley) Shipley
Source: Holt County Sentinel, 27 Aug 1909, p. 1

Our sympathy goes out to Judge Henry S. Kelley, in the loss of his daughter, which is made doubly sad in that she gave her hand in marriage to George W. Shipley, only a month ago, and her death came by an accident. She was born and raised in Savannah, and Thalia was ever a popular girl. She had been residing with a brother, Abraham, at San Diego, Cali., and only on July 17th last, was married to G. W. Shiply [sic], engineer of the Riverside, Cali., waterworks pumping plant. On the evening of August 18th, she went to the pumping station with her husband’s lunch as usual, and after eating it he left the room. In a moment he heard a scream and rushed to the engine room. There he saw his wife entangled in the powerful 20-foot belt that connected the engine with the pump: the belt had hurled he[r] beneath the pulley and held the body pinned fast. Life was crushed out instantly.

Date of Death: Jan 1914
Subject: William F. Shewmaker
Source: Savannah Reporter, Friday, 23 Jan 1914, p. 4, column 4

The remains of William Shoemaker, who died near Portland, Ore., last week, arrived here Wednesday and were buried in the Helena cemetery Thursday.

Date of Death: 16 May 1894
Subject: Rebecca (____) Holt Shawgo
Source: The Democrat, 18 May 1894

[Died] at the home of her son, Solomon Holt, 2 miles west of Savannah, Mo., May 16, 1894, of dropsy, Mrs. Rebecca Shawgo aged 81 years and 16 days. Mrs. Shawgo, or better known as grandmother Holt, has been a member of the O. S. Baptist Church for more than 60 years. She was a kind mother and loved by all who knew her. She came to Missouri from Illinois after the death of her second husband in 1871 and has lived here with her son for 22 years. Her remains were interred in the Dailey Cemetery Thursday.

Source: The Democrat, 25 May 1894

Grandma Holt’s remains were interred in the Daily Cemetery Thursday in presence of a large number of sympathizing friends.

Date of Death: 18 Mar 1919
Subject: Mary (Ryan) Shannon
Source: St. Joseph Observer, 22 Mar 1919

Mrs. Mary Shannon, thirty four years of age, died at her home at Rochester, Andrew county, Tuesday afternoon.

Date of Death: 2 Nov 1875
Subject: William M. Shanks
Source: Andrew County Republican, 5 Nov 1875, p. 8

The numerous friends of Judge William M. Shanks, one of our County Judges, will be surprised to hear of his sudden death from pneumonia, which took place at Rochester, on Tuesday last. Judge Shanks was a man of feeble constitution, and easily fell a prey to this dreaded disease. Our acquaintance with the deceased was limited, but we feel confident we express the sentiments of the entire community in which he lived, when we state he was an honorable, upright man, in all the relations of life, beloved and respected by all. Our county has lost an efficient and conscientious Justice and society one of its worthiest members.

Source: Andrew County Republican, 19 Nov 1875, p. 1

Rochester, Nov. 4th, 1875

The poet assures us that great men leave their “foot-prints on the sands of time,” and though the kind and idolized friend of to-day may be to-morrow wrapped in a winding sheet, yet the good he has done still lives on and on, permeating the ages, silently quietly affecting society in the interest of moral and intellectual progress.

These thoughts are not new, neither the result of profound enquiry,– “In the midst of life we are in death,” is a truism bearing the stamp of anquity [sic].

A estimable citizen, a generous kind hearted neighbor, a public spirited, enlightened character, has been hewn down by the remorseless axe of death. An humble tribute to his worth, form an obscure source, may not be deemed impertinent by the many who have known him but to admire his generosity– extol his virtues– shed an humble tear on the clay that enshrouds all that is mortal of Judge W. M. Shanks.

We are almost tempted to despair of the prosperity and permanency of our Nation as we behold almost daily its great men passing away; and quite frequently these may be found among the green fields of the Republic, and in the unpretending hamlets that humbly decorate its fair face. If the subject of this communication was not great in the general acceptation of that rather vague and undefined term, he was eminently good, just, kind and unselfish. Western by education, instinctively proud and chivalric, his word stamped with native honor and refined dignity– a beacon light inviting the young and inexperienced who travel over life’s chequred [sic] paths, to ever pursue honorable avocations, cherish pure disinterested aspirations. This was the mission of Judge Shanks– right nobly did he perform it– and years hence when the writer shall have paid the inexorable penalty attached to mortality– the revered name of Rochester’s philanthropist will be respected, his memory cherished– his bright deeds a beautiful sun-tint gladdening humanity’s weary, wasting pilgrimage toward the grave.

As we sat in the beautiful little church, and looking [sic] upon the large concourse of people fathered there to bid a last silent sad adieu to their lost friend,– as that procession of Brothers in the benevolent order of Odd Fellowship, wearing the beautiful and appropriate insignia of the order, solemnly passed up the aisle and deposited in front of ht pulpit that coffin containing the love, hope, pride, of an estimable family,– as the pathetic, eloquent and touching address of the Rev. F. M. Miller fell upon the ears of a sorrow stricken audience, and the eye become [sic] moist, and the heart throb was accelerated, and the spirit of poignant oppressive grief penetrated the soul– we realized the great truth that Wm. M. Shanks had not lived in vain. As we silently walked up to that little cemetery on the hill and heaven’s sunshine dispelled the chilling mists and all nature seemed wrapped in mysterious sympathy with the bereaved wife and little ones, I believed that a beneficent Providence would deal gently with the family of that courteous gentleman, and unflinching friend, who has passed away to the better land. May our friend’s silent bark gently glide over the eternal ocean blessed with the divine presence of divinity!

Amicus

Date of Death: 1 May 1907
Subject: Margaret Ellen (Proffit) Shaiffer
Source: Holt County Sentinel, 10 May 1907, p. 2

Mrs. Lincoln Shafer, after a long and protracted illness, died at her home near Richville, on Wednesday, May 1, 1907, in the 46th year of her age. She was a most excellent Christian lady, and for several years has been in poor health and death seemed to have no terrors for her. She was ready and willing to go, feeling that her life had been such that she was not afraid to meet her Saviour.

She was Ellen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Profit [sic], and was born near Fillmore, November 18, 1861, and came to Holt county with her parents when a mere babe. Her parents died a number of years ago. She was married to Lincoln Shafer, October 26th, 1884, and two children were born to them, but these died in infancy, leaving only the husband to mourn her death.

The funeral services were conducted from the Fillmore Holiness church by her pastor, Rev. John Harrington, and the body laid to rest in the Fillmore cemetery to await the resurrection. Mr. Shafer is one of the rural mail carriers out of Oregon, and brother carriers attended the funeral and acted as pallbearers.

Date of Death: 10 Dec 1895
Subject: Lewie Shaiffer
Source: Holt County Sentinel, 13 Dec 1895, p. 6

The infant son of Lincoln Shaiffer and wife died on Tuesday last, December 10, 1895, from membraneous croup after a brief illness. The remains were buried at Fillmore on the following day.

Date of Death: 16 Sep 1871
Subject: Henry W. Selecman
Source: Holt County Sentinel, 29 Sep 1871, p. 2

Henry W. Selecman died at his residence in Andrew county, Sept. 16, 1871, in the 75th year of his age. He was one of the pioneers of that county, having come to the Platte Purchase in 1838.

Date of Death: 6 Aug 1921
Subject: Herald Seckels
Source: St. Joseph Observer, 20 Aug 1921

Thursday afternoon Harold Seckles [sic] at some half-ripe grapes and some watermelon. He and his brother went to the field to get a half gallon of gasoline from the tank in which Mr. Seckles keeps the gasoline for the tractor. On the return the boys stopped to fight wasps and broke the bottle of gasoline and some of which went on Harold’s overalls. Boylike, they agreed to touch a match to the gasoline to see it burn and Harold got too near and the gasoline caught on fire and before he could remove his overalls and smother the fire out his legs was [sic] burned from the knee down until the skin fell off. Dr. Myers was called and dressed the wound. Then on Friday Harold began to suffer from the burn and from eating the grapes and watermelons. Nothing could be done to relieve the fever and he was taken to the hospital Saturday morning early and he died at 11 o’clock.- Savannah Reporter

Date of Death: 13 Jul 1873
Subject: George H. Scudder
Source: Andrew County Republican, 25 Jul 1873, p. 3

Died. Of brain fever, on Sunday, July 13, Georgie, infant and only son of Micaiah and Emalinda Scudder, of Amazonia, Andrew county, Missouri, aged ten months and twenty-four days.

A sun-beam has left our home circle. Heaven received an angel.

(Wayne Co., Pennsylvania, Herald please copy.)

Date of Death: 17 Jan 1914
Subject: Georgia Beatrice Scott
Source: Savannah Reporter, 23 Jan 1914, p. 1, column 3

Infant Daughter Dies.

Georgia Beatrice, the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Scott died Monday morning, January 17. Interment was made in the Lower Neeley cemetery. The parents wish to thank their neighbors and friends who so kindly assisted during the sickness and death of their little daughter.