Ole Olson Smedstad Obituary (including all typographical errors),
reported in The Glenwood Herald, November 17, 1899
Life's Journey Ended.
At his home in the town of Barsness on last Friday, Ole Olson
Smedstad's long continued sickness was ended in the peaceful and abiding
slumber of death. For more than a year the deceased has been under the
care of physicians, but not until a couple of months ago were the hopes
for his ultimate recovery, on part of himself and family, wholly
abandoned. A complication of diseases seemed to combine in the
termination of the earthly existence of this industrious, honorable and
esteemed citizen and neighbor. At first his malady appeared in the form
of rheumatism, it then developed into disease of the kidneys and later
he became stricken with an ailment of the brain which for many weeks
prostrated his mental, physical and vocal faculties. Only at intervals
were he able to recognize those around him and to answer their questions.
Mr. Smedstad was only fifty-six years old, and was one of the early
settlers of this county. A widow, three sons and three daughters, for
whom during his lifetime he accumulated a comfortable home and
competence, remain to cherish the memory of an indulgent husband and
father. By his neighbors and friends he will long be missed in their
councils and social gatherings. At the Starbuck church on last Tuesday
afternoon, his dear relatives, neighbors and friends were afforded a
last look upon his pallid and emaciated remains and to listen to an
excellent funeral sermon by Rev. Koefod. In Fron's cemetery now rests
from all earthly care the mortal dust of this honorable, industrious and
hospitable man.
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