Smith Cemetery ~ Benjamin Franklin Smith ~ part of the Polk County Pioneer Cemeteries of Oregon
Smith, Benjamin Franklin
LAST: Smith FIRST: Benjamin MID: Franklin
GENDER: M MAIDEN NAME:  TITLE: 
BORN: 8 May 1840 DIED: 26 Mar 1915 BURIED: 28 Mar 1915 (Smith Cemetery)
OCCUPATION:  
BIRTH PLACE:  Cedar Co, Missouri
DEATH PLACE: Lewisville, Polk Co, Oregon
NOTES: 
MARRIAGE - B.F. Smith & R.M. Burns m 6 Oct 21864 at house of Wm Burnes; Chas E. Moor, judge. Wit: Jas D. Smith & J.T. Yater [Yeater] 1870 CENSUS - Benjamin Smith (30y, b Missouri, occupation farmer) enumerated with Rachel (23y, b Illinois), William R. (5y, b Oregon), Mary (3y, b Oregon) & Laura (1y, b Oregon) 1900 CENSUS - Benjamin Smith (b May 1840, Missouri) enumerated with wife of 36 years Rachel M. (b Nov 1845, Illinois, mother of 3 children, 2 living at time of census), daughter Mary E. (b Apr 1867, Oregon) and servant John J. Leveck (b Aug 1871, Minnesota) 1910 CENSUS - Benjamin F. Smith (69y, b Missouri) enumerated with wife of 45 years Rachel M. (63y, b Illinois, mother of 3 children, 2 living at time of census), son-in-law John J. Leveck (38y, b Minnesota, married 6 years) and daughter Mary E. Leveck (43y, b Oregon, mother of 1 child who was deceased)
OBITUARY: 
Benjamin F. Smith, a pioneer of Polk county, and one of its most respected citizens, departed this life at his home near Lewisville, last Friday, and the funeral services were held from the family residence, conducted by the Rev Bowersox. Although a public spirited man, Mr Smith led the life of a quiet and industrious farmer. His chief interest was centered in his home life and his large farm, which is rated as one of the best in Polk county. The only public office ever held by him was that of Justice of the Peace, a position which he filled with credit for many years. He had also served as a director of the Independence National bank since the organization of that institution. Mr Smith was a kindly, companionable man and his home was the center of open-handed hospitality in his neighborhood. He will be missed by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, who had long recognized in him a good neighbor and a useful citizen. Benjamin F. Smith was born May 8, 1840, in Cedar county, Missouri, and crossed the plains by ox team with his parents in 1846, settling on the farm now owned by F.M. Smith near Lewisville, where he spent his early life. In the year 1864 he was united in marriage to Rachael M. Burns, daughter of Wm Burns, an early pioneer, and removed to the present home, where he has resided continuously ever since. About one year and a half ago he was stricken with paralysis, which terminated in his death. He leaves to mourn his loss a widow and two children, W.W. Smith of Dallas and Mary LeVeck of Lewisville. Three brothers, J.D. Smith of Dallas, G.W. Smith of Lebanon, and F.M. Smith of Dallas, and two sisters, Mrs H.C. McTimmonds of Lebanon and Miss Rachael Smith of Dallas, also are afflicted by his demise. Polk County Observer, Tuesday, March 30, 1915, 1:1
INSCRIPTION: 
B.F. Smith May 8, 1840-Mar. 26, 1915 [shares marker with Rachel M. Smith]
SOURCES: 
OSBH DC (1915 Polk co) #1073 Polk Co, Oregon, Marriage Records, 1849-1879, page 28 1870 OR CENSUS (Polk Co, Luckiamute, FA#665) 1900 OR CENSUS (Polk Co, Luckiamute, ED 176, FA#68) 1910 OR CENSUS (Polk Co, Luckiamute, ED 244, sheet 4A) Polk County Observer, 30 Mar 1915, 1:1
CONTACTS: 
ROW: 37-2