Hancock County Journal
and The Carthage Republican
Carthage, Illinois
Thursday
Section 2
Page 2
Column 1Mrs. Steven Smith
Dies in Hamilton;
Services Last WeekFuneral services for Mrs. Martha Ellen Smith, 76, of Hamilton were held Friday, Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. in the Oak Grove Christian church the Rev. H. P. French officiating. Burial was in Oak Grove cemetery.
Mrs. Smith died Wednesday morning in her home. She had been in poor health for some time.
Born in St. Mary's township in Hancock county. She was the daughter of Warren LeRoy and Sarah Mildred Bartlett Babcock. On April 6, 1903 she married Raymond Earl Johnson. He died May 8, 1941. On Feb. 26, 1942 she married Steven Smith who survives.
Mrs. Smith was a member of the Plymouth Christian church.
Surviving with the widower are two sons Hallie Lee Johnson, of Lockport and Hugh Warren Johnson of Carthage, two brothers, Otto, Lee of Arizona and Clyde W. of North Dakota; two sisters, Mrs. Bertha Carrie Hagmeier of Keokuk and Mrs. Iva Lee Pointer of Colmar; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Obit provided by Ken Johnson
MARTHA SMITH DEPARTS LIFE AT HAMILTON
Was Born And Reared At St. Marys and Formerly Resided In Plymouth
Martha Ellen Smith of Hamilton passed away at 6:50 a.m. Sept. 25, 1957 at her home after an extended illness. She was born near St. Marys in Hancock County, July 26, 1881, the third child in a family of ten children. Her parents, Warren Leroy and Sarah Mildred (Bartlett) Babcock were pioneer residents of Hancock County. She spent most of her life of 76 years 2 months in Hancock County. Mrs. Smith attended Paige rural school, near her home, and grew up a happy country girl. Being and older one in a large family she had many responsibilities and accepted them willingly, giving much of her time and affection to the younger sisters. In early young womanhood she joined the Christian Church in Plymouth and her life exemplified the Golden Rule. Mrs. Smith was married April 6, 1903 to Raymond Earl Johnson who passed away May 9, 1941. To this union were born two sons, Hallie of Lockport and Hugh of Oak Grove community who survive with four children, Beverly and Roger of Carthage, Warren of Lockport, IL and Kenneth, who is in the service and two great grandchildren. She married again Feb. 26, 1942 to Steven Smith, who survives. Five step-children also mourn her passing, Henry and Ira Smith of Hamilton, Iva Mosley of Burlington, Myrtle Schweitzer of Chicago, and Mae Smith of Portland, Oregon; seven step-grandchildren, and one step-great grand child. Two sisters and two brothers feel this loss greatly, Bertha Hagmeier of Keokuk, Iva Lee Pointer of Colmar, Otho Babcock of Arizona and Clyde of North Dakota. Those of her immediate family who have preceded her in death are; Father and Mother, four sisters, and one brother; Arthur Newton Babcock, Josie Mason, Gertrude Lawyer, Alma Babcock and Alta Roberts (twins) and two grandchildren; Madeline and Hallie Lee Johnson, children of Hallie. Mattie, as she was called by loved ones, was a loving mother, very devoted to her family, a kind neighbor, always ready to lend a helping hand. She was well known for the many quilts she pieced and quilted, also her crocheting and embroidery work. Her hands were never idle, as she loved to work at her quilts and fancy work. She will be sadly missed by many relatives and friends. Funeral services for Mrs. Smith were largely attended Friday at the Oak Grove Christian Church. Burial was in the Oak Grove Cemetery.
