Lum's Dad

Although from a quick glance at the census records, I was fairly certain that George Washington Smith (b. Oct 1847, MO) was the father of Elbert Columbus (Lum) Smith (b. 1878, MO), I like to double-check. Here's my data.

1. Children (with birthdates) of George W. and Susan M. Smith (combining names from the 1880 [Washington, Harrison, MO] and 1900 [Franklin, Greene, MO] census data for the couple)

William L. 1870
Andrew T. 1872
Lutice O. 1876
Albert C. 1878
Sarah E. 1879
Manford 1881
Lethia 1886
Vinson D. 1889
Alva C. 1892
Matilda A. 1895

2. In examining the 1900 census, one discovers some interesting neighbors of George W. and Susan. These are:

Andy Smith 1872
Leticia Crabtree 1876
Albert C. Smith 1878

These three children of George and Susan, apparently old enough, have married and set up households adjacent to George W.'s farm.

3. A [E]lbert C. Smith is listed as married to Etta G. that very year on the 1900 census, in agreement with the family history information (and Etta's obituary) that Elbert Columbus Smith married Etta Gertrude nee Groves.

4. In addition, there exists a book, "The Grand River Trail, Clinton and Dekalb counties, 1833-1979," which pictures George W. and Susan Smith along with 11 of their 12 children. One son is listed as Elbert.

5. Other details, such as parents' places of birth and dates, are in full agreement. (...something found rarely in census data, but it's nice to have such a tidy picture.)

I have much more information for both generations of Smiths. If anyone is interested in knowing more or has information to share, please leave me a comment.