Obit: Smith, Oliver J. (1862 - 1942)

Contact: Audrey Roedl
Email: audero@charter.net

Surnames: Smith, Nichols, Whitney, Lyon, Heninger, Roder, Can Camp, Hutchins

----Source: The Loyal Tribune, 09 April 1942

Smith, Oliver J. (30 JUL 1862 - 8 APR 1942)

Another old settler passed from our midst when Oliver J. Smith passed away Wednesday evening, April 8, at 10:30 o’clock at his farm home. He had reached the age of 79 years, eight months and 10 days.

Oliver (Ollie) J. Smith was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, July 30, 1862. Two years later he came with his parents to Clark county, where his father took up 160 acres in section 11, it then being wild land and destitute of roads. He was educated in the Dodgeville log school house. After his schooling for the next 15 years he worked in the woods during the winter and spent his summers on the home place with his parents.

At the age of 29 years he married Jennie Nichols on Nov. 9, 1890. To this union two children were born, Dimple and Archie.

After his marriage, Mr. Smith settled on the homestead, operating the farm, and this place remained his home up to the time of his death.

Mrs. Jennie (Nichols) Smith died on Dec. 26, 1893

Mr. Smith was again united in marriage on May 16, 1896, to Fannie Nichols, sister of his first wife. To this union five children were born; Lottie, Owen, Lee, Floyd and Vern.

Aside from his farming interests, Mr. Smith has taken an active part in Local government, having served three terms on the township sideboard and about 30 years as school director.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Mrs. Herbert Whitney (Cornelia) of Loyal.

He is survived by his wife; four sons and three daughters, namely; Archie of Loyal, Mrs. Clair Lyon (Dimple) of Loyal, Mrs. Oswald Heninger (Lottie) of Granton, Owen of Madison, Lee of Milwaukee, Floyd of Loyal and Mrs. James Roder (Vera) of Loyal; one brother, Charles of Rapid City, S. D.; two sisters, Mrs. Warren Hutchins of the town of Unity and Mrs. Charles Van Camp of South Gate, Cal.; 30 grandchildren, other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held in the Methodist church Saturday at 2 p.m., with the Rev. R. J. Fleming officiating. He was assisted by the Rev. O. Jewell and the Rev. W. J. Eberly. The Rev. and Mrs. Jewell sang, accompanied by Mrs. Arnold Wicklind. Mr. Smith was laid to rest in the Pine Grove cemetery, which he had helped to reclaim and beautify.

Pall bearers were Dan Castner, Albert Castner, Del Anderson, Morris Weaver, John Drummond and Jonas Ayers.

The beautiful floral tributes were carried by seven granddaughters, Illa Mae Smith, Juanita Smith, Carol Henninger, Mrs. Phil Weller, Mrs. Walter Kendt, Mrs. Alfred Stanulson and Mrs. L.G. Anderson, and a niece, Ethel Hamman.

Those from away who came to attend the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Lee O. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Phil Weller, Juanita Smith and Mrs. Lavina Smith, all of Milwaukee; Mr. and Mrs. Oswald Henninger, Granton; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Quackenbush and John Stanek, Antigo; Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Stanulson, Black River Falls; Eugene Lyon, Juneau, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Nichols and Howard Nichols and son David, Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Thomas, Hartland; Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Smith, Eau Claire; Mrs. Emma Shummel, W. S. Nichols and Morris Weaver, all of Neillsville; Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Phillips, Jonas Ayers and Otto Graham, all of Spencer; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kendt and Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Armitage, Christie; John Drummonds, Greenwood; and the Rev. and Mrs. R. J. Fleming, Viroqua.

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