The Shemwell Family

Reuben M Smith Jr Birth Date Curently, Reuben's birth date is estimated as 1873 as per his transcribed Marriage Record; however, he was not listed in the 1880 Census with his parents. This is very unusual as a young child, presumably just 7 years old, should be listed in the 1880 Census with his parents. It is important to note that while the transcribed Marriage Record estimates his birth year as 1873, the ACTUAL Marriage Record image does NOT show a birth date at all. It is not clear how an estimated birth date was determined when it is not found on the actual Marriage Record image. The only Birth Record that we have found for a young Smith is one from May 25, 1880 which provides no name for the Infant. Without further records, it is reasonable to assume that the Birth Record could be for Reuben since there is no supporting evidence of his 1873 date. It is consistent that he could have been born in 1880 and later married in 1899 when he was 19 years old. The only anomaly with the 1880 Census is that is reportedly taken on June 24, 1880. Referring to the Birth Record's date of May 25, 1880, it would seem that the young infant (aka Reuben) should have been listed. It is not clear why he wasn't. Perhaps he was sick and at a hospital or the Census taker did not record him; however, this is just conjecture pending more data.

Smith Sons Estimated Death Dates The 1900 Census (June 24, 1880) and 1910 Census (April 23, 1910) both report that Phoebe Melvina Smith had born 5 children with only 1 still living. Please note that the 1900/1910 Census reports of 5 children born and 1 still living are not consistent with other records we have been able to find. We have been able to find supporting records for the following children: William Edgar Smith, Reuben M Smith Jr, and Charles Ernest Smith. No records have been found for the "missing" two children. The longest living child was Charles Ernest Smith (1883-1963). All of our records support this life span. Based on other records, her 2 other "presumably" deceased sons were born on the following years/dates: William Edgar Smith (1871) and Reuben M Smith Jr (1880). William Edgar Smith was listed in the 1880 Census but not in the 1900 Census. Until other records are found, it is best to mark him as "deceased" without a specific date. Reuben M Smith Jr appeared in the 1900 Census with his wife, Cora. However, she is listed as a Widow in the 1907 Salt Lake City Directory. It is presumed that Reuben died around that date. Reuben M Smith Jr was not listed in the 1880 Census with his parents; however, he is listed in the 1900 Census with his wife Cora. She is later shown as a Widow in the 1907 St Lake, Utah City Directory and shown as the Propietor of the Iretta. His death date would logically be between 1900 and 1907.