Redemption

Recently I posted a blog--Death before Dishonor--about O V Smith and noted that he had disappeared as a result of a scandal followed by a suicide attempt. I then asked if any researcher could find this man. Never one to let a challenge go unanswered, John King took up the trail. This is what he found.

Franklin County Missouri Tribune February 14 1908 page 5

"O V Smith whose death occurred in St Louis February 5 1908 at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Edith Simeral, was born in Clark County Ohio in 1840 March 28. He moved to Illinois in 1865 where he served in the state legislature and was married to Miss Mary Minich. To this union three children were born, one of who died in childhood. The surviving children are: Mrs. Edith Simeral of St Louis and Charlie Smith of Kentucky.

"O V Smith moved his family to Missouri in 1878 where he lived ever since. His home was in Morrellton where he had a wide circle of friends who always knew him as a devoted husband, a loving father, a good neighbor and an exemplary citizen, being noted for his industry, honesty and frugality, always ready to assist those in need.

O V Smith had been sick for several months at Morrellton when he was moved to St Louis where he had hoped that by the best of medical attention he might regain his health but in spite of all this, he gradually grew worse until the end came."

And as John King said when he passed this obituary along to me, "A story of personal redemption is always heartwarming. it is great to know that one can reinvent himself in a new new life." And there you have it, the rest of the story. Thanks John