Father of George C. Smithen, Lydia, Leon and Ethel
Married Rosetta Eliza Searle His father: James Smithen His Mother: Ann Laws
He apparently had a keen mind and an eagerness to expand his knowledge. He loved discussions and debating issues. A man's library often tells much about him&emdash;his books were many, mostly scientific, religious, philosophical, etc. He purchased these books with hard earned cash so they must have meant much to him. They were brought to California when he and Rose moved here about 1910. Those books are now in the possession of Rod and Louise Rood.
A diary and notebook kept by "Grandpa" contains many newspaper clippings which appealed to him and reveal a part of his character. One was written by him to the editor of a Salt Lake paper, and it concerns his indignation at the poor behavior of some men in attendance of a meeting about water rights in his neighborhood.
The diary is heavy with weather details on a daily basis in 1886-87. He must have been keenly interested in climate. He also enters his wages as they are collected each week, usually about $20.00. He often gives his mother some of this. And in one place he mentions making another payment to the sextant for his father's burial. He mentions his brother's wedding (Walter's) on 5 Oct.1886. Most evenings are spent at home but a "Sing School" is often mentioned where he and Rose participated. His friends, Mr. & Mrs. Hart, are often mentioned, and he was present when Mr. Hart died. Had Grandma approved, he likely would have married the widow and brought her home as his "second wife".
His handwriting changes as he mentions a foot injury &endash; no doubt, he was in considerable pain. He had dropped a heavy piece of iron on his toes while at work at the iron foundry. This accident left him with trembling nerves in his hands which he had for the rest of his life. In Los Angeles, he worked as a shoe repairman for several months and this trembling caused him great difficulty. He died in 1913 at the age of 64 and was buried in a cemetery in downtown L.A. but later moved to the Inglewood Cemetery.
More to come. Feedback and corrections welcome!
Laurie Kraybill
Back to http://www.jcameron.com/personal/smithen/index.htm for family pictures.