The Shemwell Family

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.