As I began reviewing Carey A. Smith’s information, I was reminded of the ties that bind our ancestors. His wife, Emma Jane, was named Executrix, with assistance from George Storer and A. P. Orrison. Both names figure into our ancestry, as George was Emma Jane’s brother. I’m thinking A. P. might have been one of Emma’s cousins, but I’m not positive about that at this point.
Carey A. Smith is Avis’ paternal grandfather. He was one of two sons born to Thomas R. Smith and Louisa Fry. His was born January 16, 1868 in Darke County, Ohio, perhaps in Greeneville. Carey’s brother, Carl, was also born in Ohio, in June of 1870. He was not listed on the 1870 census which was dated June 16. At some point after this, the family moved to Wisconsin. I have not been able to pinpoint the exact year. After the move, Louisa, his mother died. Thomas R. Smith took his sons back to Ohio to be raised by his wife’s parents, Henry and Jemima Fry.
Carey came back to Wisconsin when he reached adulthood. He married Emma Jane Storer on September 19, 1891. They lived on his father’s farm for one year and then purchased and moved to a farm 2 miles west of Viola, then called Carey Smith Hill. To this couple were born 9 children: Louis F. (1892-1965), Madge Mildred (1895-2000), Norval A. (1896-1942), Bliss Harold (1898-1954), Isa I (1900-1985), Byron Thomas (1901-1987) and his twin, Buford R. (1901-1974), Ada D. (1906-1981) and Louise M. (1909-1979).
His obituary notes that he was a “public spirited man”. He represented his township on the county board for some time. He was also a member of the Viola Lodge 182 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a Past Grand of his lodge. I haven’t been able to find any information about the Viola lodge, but this link explains more about the IOOF in Wisconsin. ww.ioofwi.org/about/wioff-hist/index.html Carey was active in the Congregational Church and also often attended the old church at Liberty in the afternoon.
Carey farmed until 1922, when failing health made him rent his farm and move to Viola. On January 19, 1927, he was hospitalized for the removal of his appendix. His obituary states that “everything seemed to look favorable for his recovery, when on the night of the 27th he quietly passed away before his family could reach his bedside”. I read this at a family reunion and Mom piped up and said, “That is not what happened!” She went on to relate the story that Carey’s bed broke in the middle of the night, opening his incision and he bled to death. Not quite a peaceful passing! She went on to state that her father, Norval, drove his mother to La Crosse that night, and visibility was so poor, that his twin brothers, Byron and Buford stood on the running boards holding lanterns so they could see to get to Grand View Hospital in La Crosse.
The funeral services were held at the Viola Congregational church where Rev. John Lambrecht officiated. His burial was at the Viola Cemetery, officiated by the Viola Lodge I.O.O.F., and a very large crowd attended.
