~ Biographical Sketch ~

     Albert C. Smith was born on Monday, October 8, 1877 in Iowa, son of William Smith Sr. and Mary Wiltse. In conflict, his daughter Mary's death certificate indicates that the location of his birth was Bolinggreen[sic], Pike Co., Missouri.^1,3,4,2

According to the US census of June 1, 1880, Albert was living at home with his parents in Millville Township, Clayton County, Iowa. He was two years old.¹

Albert was one of the family members included in the 1885 Iowa state census in Millville Township. William Smith Sr. was head of the household.⁵

In December of 1896, his brother George Smith was accidentally killed by a horse. Upon hearing the sad news, Albert traveled from Millville, Iowa to his home in Edholm, Nebraska in order to attend George's funeral. According to an announcement in the Guttenberg Press newspaper, George's death was a great shock to the people in Millville, as he had always lived in Millville until the last couple of years before his death and he had many friends there.⁶

Albert married Mabel C. Strober.³

Albert appeared in the Schuyler, Colfax County, Nebraska, US census of January 7, 1920 as head of household. Albert was working for wages as a farm laborer. He owned his own home in the city. It was mortgage free. He was 42 years old. His wife was 41 years old and was a homemaker. Her name was not included on this census although the rest of her entry was complete. She and her parents had been born in Missouri. One daughter, Mary, was at home. She was 12 years old.. The household also included Mabel, his wife.⁷

On August 23, 1926, Albert was recorded as the death informant of his married daughter Mary. She was only 18 years old when she passed away. She had suffered from chronic nephritis.^2,3

Albert died on Monday, January 31, 1944 at age 66.³ He was laid to rest in the Schuyler Cemetery in Schuyler, Colfax County, Nebraska.^8,3



His obituary and a related note of thanks in two unidentified and undated newspaper clippings reads:

The widow and the following brothers and sisters survive: Frank F. of Snowflake, Manitoba, Canada, William of Columbus, Henry H. of Fremont, Edward of St. Edward, Clara, Mrs. O. E. Streeter of Portland, Oregon, and Cora, Mrs. W. E. Wicks of Humphrey. Two sons, George Emmet and Ralph W. J., and a daughter, Mrs. Mary Wigington, parents and two brothers, George and Charles preceded Mr. Smith and death.

Funeral services will be held at the Methodist church this Thursday afternoon at 2:30, Rev. W. B. Bliss, [the name “Rev. Denlinger of Springfield” was inserted by hand at this point] pastor, officiating. Burial will take place in the Schuyler cemetery. Acting as pallbearers will be Leonard Seckman, Bart Becker, George F. McKenzie, Harold Wellman, Ernest Perry and Hans E. Arps. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the following city officials: Mayor J. C. Jonas, Harold Vincent, Melvin Biggs, Charles Cech, members of the police force, E. B. Schmid, light and water commissioner, and Leonard Wacha, councilman.

CARD OF THANKS
Neighbors and friends were exceedingly kind to us in our recent bereavement occasioned by the death of our beloved husband and brother, the late Albert Smith. We wish to express to each and every one of them and our heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation for their kindly assistance, their sympathy and their comfort. We are indeed grateful for the many flower tributes sent in his memory.
Mrs. Albert Smith,
Frank F. Smith,
Henry H. Smith,
Edward Smith,
William Smith,
Mrs. O. E. Streeter,
Mrs. W. E. Wicks.

[Note: For ease of reading, minor editing and expanded abbreviations were made in the above text].⁸