The reverse of this AZO postcard photograph reads, "Demerious Margaret Smeltzer taken at 4 years old." It was purchased in a lot of old images from Creston, Iowa. I was overjoyed to see Miss Smeltzer's unusual first name. Usually this means an easier search, and yes, this time it was, athough it did appear in various permutations: Demarious, Demarous, Demerous, and even, Peneriom.
Demerious Margaret Smeltzer was born on the 30th of June 19081 to Edwin and Susie Smeltzer of Creston, Iowa2. Five years later, Demerious' brother, Eldon was born3. Demerious worked as a typist at a law office for many years4. Both siblings lived with mother Susie until at least 1940, neither having married by that time.
Demerious lived a long life and died at the age of 95 on August 21, 2003 in Union Co., Iowa5. I haven't been able to locate an obituary for her online, but it doesn't look as if she married. She is buried in Graceland Cemetery in Creston: Demarious M Smeltzer (1908 - 2003) - Find A Grave Memorial.
1 "United States Social Security Death Index," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JLLW-SX9 : accessed 11 Sep 2012), Demarious M Smeltzer, 21 August 2003; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).↩
2 "United States Census, 1910," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MG9N-117 : accessed 11 Sep 2012), Demarius M Smeltzer in household of Edward Smeltzer, Creston Ward 5, Union, Iowa; citing sheet 3B, family 72, NARA microfilm publication T624, FHL microfilm 1374438.↩
3 "United States Census, 1920," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MDM2-PGT : accessed 11 Sep 2012), Eldon L Smeltzer in household of Edwid G Smeltzer, , Union, Iowa; citing enumeration district (ED) , sheet 12A, family 316, NARA microfilm publication T625, FHL microfilm 1820515.↩
4 "United States Census, 1940," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KM19-M1K : accessed 11 Sep 2012), Demarius Smeltzer in household of Susie Smeltzer, Ward 5, Creston, Creston Township, Union, Iowa, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 88-5, sheet 22B, family 521, NARA digital publication T627, roll 1208.↩
5 "United States Social Security Death Index," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JLLW-SX9 : accessed 11 Sep 2012), Demarious M Smeltzer, 21 August 2003↩
She has several "flowers" on her Find A Grave memorial placed their by a family member. I left him a message.
ReplyDeleteHer brother was a pilot who lost his life in service to our country during WWII. I personally corresponded with Demarious several times prior to her death. John F. Smeltzer, Colorado
ReplyDeleteThanks Iggy for sending John our way. How sad that her brother Eldon didn't make it back from the war overseas. So many pilots lost their lives. Thanks John, for stopping by and for commenting!
ReplyDelete