Yuma County, Colorado
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Yuma County Pioneer Photographs:

Allen and Sarah (Workman) Smith, son John W. and Mary Susan (Cox) Smith, daughter Josephine (Smith) Hildreth, 1 South 43 West

John Butler Workman born 1815 in Kentucky, married Kathern Roberts, then Martha Ann Roberts. He died 1895 and is buried with Martha in Fillmore County, Nebraska # 38686258.
In 1860 Jefferson County, Iowa, John is 40, Delia M. 36, William A. 19, Sarah A. 17, James M. 12, Kesiah E. 10, Jennetta T. 9, John C. 4, and Edward M. 2. Photograph and family information from David Smith, ds1adam@yahoo.com

   Allen Spencer Smith, was born July 19, 1845 in Tennessee.  Sarah Caroline (Workman) was born June 25, 1845 in Tennessee. Allen and Sarah were married Feb.20, 1866 in Illinois.

   They lived in Illinois and Nebraska before arriving in Yuma County in 1886, homesteading southwest of Wray. In the early 1900's they moved into Wray where Allen owned and operated a blacksmith shop with his sons.

   Allen and Sarah had nine children:   Allen jr. (died in infancy), Josephine May b.1867, John Wm. b.1868, Clara Levesta b. 1874, Anna Eliz. b.1877, Thomas Weaver b. 1880, Jesse Russell b. 1882, Mary Caroline b. 1884, and Orville Cleveland b.1888.

   Allen died in 1927 and Sarah died in 1937. Both are buried in Wray's Grandview Cemetery.


Front: Allen and Sarah Smith with youngest Orville (lap), Mary (standing),
eldest in back row are John and Josephine,
others in unknown order are Anna, Clara, Thomas, and Jesse.
(Photo by Star Photo Co., McCook, Nebraska)


In 1885 Fillmore County, Nebraska, Allen and Sarah Smith are both 40, with Josie 18, John 16, Clara 10, Annie 7, Thomas 4, Jessie 2, and Mry 1.


Allen S. Smith cash-claimed a quarter in 35, 1N 4W in 1890, and timber-claimed another in 34 in 1894, next to James Hildrenth's 1890 cash claim in 1890 and timber-claimm in 1895.

In 1900 Glendale precinct, John W. born November 1868, married five years to Mary S. April 1875, both Illinois, have Clarence A. Sept 1899. They're on the same page as the Sarah Long family.

In 1899 Allen Smith was a captain for the west line of a wolf and coyote hunt - the north line was the railroad, the south line was a mile south of the county line.
In 1900 Yuma County, Allen S. Smith born July 1845 in Tennessee, married 35 years to Sarrah C. June 1845 Tennessee, have Thomas July 1880 Nebraska, Jessy Aug 1882 Nebraska, Mary S. Oct 1884 Nebraska, and Orvil V. October 1888 Colorado.
Next household is James A. Hildreth, married 12 years to Josephine Jan 1867 Illinois. Mary L. Aug 1888, Charles E. June 1892, Roy A. Dec 1892, and Ray D. Nov 1894 were all born in Colorado.


In 1901 Allen Smith, living six miles southwest of Wray, raised 4500 bushels of corn and 2500 bushels of wheat. The proceeds of his crop will bring him about $2600, besides the other crops raised."

1905
1905

1905 Wray "Allen Smith, living southwest of Wray, started last night for eastern points where he will visit for a few weeks."
1905

1910 Wray "C.S. Strickler will soon open a garage and auto salesroom in the brick building under course of construction on the Allen Smith block on West Kiowa street. He has ordered several new Buick autos."
1910 Wray "The grade has been established for a side walk on Kiowa street in front of the Allen Smith residence and Mr. Smith will begin putting in the walk immediately."

In 1910 Wray, living on Kiowa Street, Allen S. and Sarah C are both 64, born in Tennessee, with Orville 21.
In 1920 Wray, Allen S., Sarah, and Orville are on the same page as Thomas, on West Kiowa.

June 23, 1927 "Allen Spencer Smith, well known resident of Wray, died at his home following an illness of a few weeks due to age, Tuesday morning of this week. He had been a resident of this county for more than forty years and was highly respected. For the last twenty years he has conducted a blacksmith shop in Wray, remaining actively engaged in his strenuous profession until a few weeks before his death.
Funeral services were held at the Christian church Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. John Milton Oliver. Interment was in Grandview cemetery.
Allen Spence Smith was bom July l9th, 1845 at Nashville, Tenn. Departed from this life at his home in Wray, Colo., June 21st., 1927, at the age of 81 years, 11 months, and 9 days.
At the age of 6 years he moved with his parents to Christian county Illinois, where he grew to manhood and was united in marriage to Sarah Workman, Feb. 20th, 1866. To this union was born 9 children, 5 sons and 4 daughters. One son (Allen) died in infancy, Two daughters have also preceded him to the spirit world, (Mrs. Anna Walker and Mrs. Clara Thomas). The surviving children are John W. Thomas, Jessa R., Orvil C., Mrs. Josephine Hildreth and Mrs. Mary Renzleman, all of Wray, Colorado.
In the year 1872 he moved from Illinois to York County, Neb.. He resided until March 1886 then moved with his family to Wray Colo., and located on a homestead six and one half miles south west of Wray. He remained on the homestead until 1907. He then moved to Wray, Colo., where he has lived and conducted a black-smith and repair shop until the time of his death.
He leaves to mourn his departure his wife (who has journied through life with him for more than 61 years) four sons, 2 daughters, 20 grand-children, 5 great grandchildren, and 6 brothers.
The sympathy of the entire community is extended the bereaved family and friends."

January 6, 1916 "Mrs. Clara Thomas, wife of David Thomas, died at the family home west of Wray on Tuesday, January 4, after a brief illness. The deceased is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Smith and was 40 years, 5 months and 3 days old at the time of her death.
Besides her husband and parents, she leaves three sisters, four brothers and a daughter, Bertha Mae, fifteen years old to mourn her departure.
The funeral was held yesterday from the Christian church in Wray and interment was made in Grand View cemetery. Rev. D.A. Brown, the pastor officiated. The family have been residents of this county for a number of years and the community sympathizes with the family in their bereavement. "

Because David Thomas is buried in the Smith lot 1873-1939 - and an "Unknown" Smith is next to him, that's likely Clara.

October 3, 1957 "Bertha Mae Pevler, daughter of David and Clara Thomas, was born September 30, 1900, at Wray died at the Colorado State hospital, at Pueblo, September 28, 1957. at the age of 56 years, 11 months and 28 days. Her death followed a short illness from a heart condition. She had been a patient at the State Hospital for thirty-two years. Her marriage to Chase W. Pevler took place in Wray on November 8,1919. They became the parents of two girls. Mrs. Pevler is survived by her children, Mrs. Beulah Bruhn of Unionville, Iowa, and Leona Harr of Albia, Iowa, and ten grandchildren. Her mother and father preceded her in death. Funeral arrangements were incomplete when the information of Mrs. Pevler's death was received, but burial will be in the Blakesburg cemetery at Blakesburg, lowa.

THOMAS
In 1910 Thomas W. Smith is living next to his parents in Wray. He and Pearl, both 30, have Ralph 2 and Margret six moths.
Thomas Weaver Smith registered for WWI in Wray, born July 4, 1880, an auto mechanic for J. Conrad Motor Company in Wray.
In 1920 Wray they have Ralph Marguerite, and Stella 8, Ethel C. 5, and Thomas five months.Thomas 1880-1953 is buried in Wray # 5136465.
In 1930 Thomas is an auto mechanic in Sidney Nebraska, married but no spouse, lodging with William and Olie Devine.
Pearl , Cleora and Thomas Jr. are in Denver in 1930, where Pearl is a laundry sorter.
In 1940 Sidney, Olive is with Thomas, and so is Thomas Jr. 20, an attendant at a cream station.
.
Olive Pearl (Stallings) Smith 1879-1969 is buried in Whittier, California # 5092812.
Ethel Cleoria Perry born Feb 18, 1914, died May 19, 1983 in San Bernardino, California, mother Stallings, father Smith.

Greeley, Colorado January 1, 1954
"Mr. T. W. Smith died Thursdy at Weld County General Hospital He had been a patient there. Mr. Smith came to Greeley last July to be with his daughter. Born July 4,1880 at Exeter, Neb., he lived at Scottsbluff, Neb. 20 years and the past three years at Maywood. Calif. He was a member of IOOF lodge at Wray for nearly SO years. Mr. Smith was an ardent fisherman. He and his wife, who were married Dec. 17, 1902, celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary last year. Besides his daughter. Mrs. Knott, the former Jere Smith, he is survived by his wife, Mrs. Olive Pearl Smith of Maywood, Calif.; two sons and two other daughters : Ralph A. Smith and Mrs. Ethel Perry, both of Maywood, Calif; Thomas W. Smith, Jr., of Santa Cruz, Calif., and Mrs. Stella Mintken of Pine Bluffs, Wyo. Also surviving are two brothers and a sister, Mrs. Mary Renzelman, Orville and Jess Smith, all of Wray; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon from the Lockwood Funeral home at Wray, with interment at Wray."

Children of THOMAS SMITH and OLIVE STALLINGS are:

i. MILDRED FAYE4 SMITH, b. 1904, Wray, Yuma Co., CO; d. April 07, 1908, Wray, Yuma Co., CO.
ii. RALPH ALLEN SMITH, b. October 04, 1907, Wray, Yuma Co., CO; d. November 14, 1998; m. (1) RUTH GENEVIVE WILKINSON, June 11, 1932, Torrance, Los Angeles Co., CA; m. (2) VIVIAN ALICE WILKINSON, September 16, 1942, Kimball, NE; b. September 05, 1917, Rocky Hollow Ranch, Banner Co., NE; d. January 01, 1982, Kimball, NE; m. (3) HELEN EMERY, 1967.
iii. JER'E MARGARET SMITH, b. November 03, 1909, Wray, Yuma Co., CO; m. CLIFFORD WILSON KNOTT.
iv. ESTELLE MAE SMITH, b. September 25, 1911, Wray, Yuma Co., CO; m. FORREST MINTKEN.
v. ETHEL CLEORIA SMITH, b. February 18, 1914, Wray, Yuma Co., CO; d. 1983; m.ARLO C. PERRY, Sydney, NE; b. 1907; d. 1974.
vi. THOMAS WAYNE SMITH, b. July 09, 1919, Wray, Yuma Co., CO; m. (1) LOY MAY LONG, November 08, 1941, Baird, NE; b. August 17, 1922, Gering, NE; m. (2) HELEN INCAO, in Los Angeles, California, August 24, 1968.
L. Mae Long, 9, is in Hayes Center, Nebraska in 1930, with father Clyde A. and mother Lulu J. Long.
This might not be the same one that married Thomas....


JOHN

Susan Cox is in Seward County, Nebraska in 1880, five, born in Ohio, with parents Jacob and Alvira Cox.
John W. timber-claimed a quarter in 14, 1N 44W in 1901 - that's between Wray and his father's farm.

John proved up a quarter in 20, 1S 43W in 1902 - his land was next to the John Long cemetery .
1904 Wray "J.F. Haskins, of Benkelman, was in town Tuesday visiting Harry Cox and John Smith and taking in the Wild West Show."
In 1910 Yuma County "on the Idalia road" John W. is 41, married 15 years to Susie, 34, both born Illinois. Clarence 10 and Ernest 3 were both born in COlorado.
1916

In 1920 all four are still there.
John W. Smith 1868-1927 is buried in Wray, # 81705423, with Mary S. Smith 1875-1920 # 81706218.
In 1930 Los Angeles Ernest A. Smith is 23, a laborer working on tires, lodging with the widow Ione P. Davis.

Ernest A. Smith is a construction inspector in Maricopa County Arizona in 1940, 33, born in Colorado, living alone


Clarence Allen Smith registered for WWI in Yuma County.

ANNA

ANNA ELIZABETH SMITH, b. December 17, 1877, Fillmore Co., NE; d. 1896; m. UNKNOWN WALKER.

JESSE


JESSE RUSSELL3 SMITH (ALLEN SPENCER2, WILLIAM1) was born August 24, 1882 in Fillmore, NE, and died July 04, 1959 in Denver, CO. He married INEZ EAGELSON 1907. She was born Abt. 1892 in NE, and died Bef. 1959.
Child of JESSE SMITH and INEZ EAGELSON is:
i. FRANK HAROLD4 SMITH, b. Abt. 1909; m. VIVIAN ALICE WILKINSON; b. September 05, 1917, Rocky Hollow Ranch, Banner Co., NE; d. January 01, 1982, Kimball, NE.


Jesse Russel Smith 1882-1959 is buried in Wray # 81704645.
CLARA
Clara Levesta Smith, born July 31, 1874 at Exeter, Nebraska, died January 4, 1916 in Wray.
1916 "Mrs. Henry Hoover, a sister of Mr. David Thomas, came down from Denver Tuesday evening to attend the funeral of the late Mrs. Thomas. Mrs. Hoover was formerly a resident of WSray and has many friends here whom she will visit for a short time before returning to Denver.
David Thomas 1873-1939 is buried in Wray # 81634258.

Blakesburg, Iowa "Bertha Mae, daughter of David and Clara Thomas, was born Sept. 30, 1900 at Wray, Colorado, and passed away at the State Hospital in Pueblo, Colorado September 28, 1957 at the age of 56 years, 11 mos. and 28 days. She had been a patient there 32 years. Her girlhood and young married life had been spent in and around Wray and she was a member of the Christian Church of that place.
On November 8, 1918, she was united in marriage to Chase W. Pevler, who survives. Two daughters were born to them, Mrs. Beulah Bruhn of near Blakesburg and Mrs. Leona Harr of near Albia. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents and one granddaughter.
Services were held Thursday, October 3 at 2:00 p.m. at the Knedler Funeral Home in charge of the Rev. O. R. Roberts of Blakesburg. Burial in Blakesburg cemetery. Pallbearers were Floyd Glosser, James Smith, Frank Barnett, Noah Stocker, Richard Glosser and John Huber."

One family member wrote "Bertha had a very hard life. She lost her mother at the young age of 15 and that was just the beginning. Her story must be told though. When she was 25 years old, Bertha found herself with two young daughters ages 5 and 2. She was basically raising them by herself, as her husband rarely came home. Chase ran around on her and she knew it. From what I have been told about her actions from Bertha's oldest daughter, she must have been in a very deep depression. Sometimes for days at a time, she was unable to get out of bed. Her daughter, Velma would crawl up on a chair and get leftover biscuits off of the old cookstove, for her and her younger sister to eat, when her Mama couldn't get out of bed.
In 1925, she was placed in the State Hospital at Pueblo, Colorado. For the most part, she lived there the rest of her life, until she died on September 28, 1957. After Velma was married, she tried to have her Mama live with her. Being only 16 and having a young baby, she was unable to take care of both and had to put Bertha back in the hospital. Velma was tormented over this for years. "

MARY

MARY CAROLINE SMITH, b. October 28, 1884, Fillmore Co., NE; d. 1955; m. HENRY RENZELMAN JR.; b. 1877; d. 1942.


Estella Mae, born Sept 25, 1911 in Wray, married Forrest Mintken, and died Jne 28, 2005 in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
ORVILLE

Orville married Flora Leamon.

Orville and his brother Tom operated an auto repair shop in Wray "in the early days of automobiles.

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