An American Family History

Emma Ethel Bertrand Smith was born on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1890 in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. She was the daughter of Gilles Joseph Bertrand and Viola Belle Long. Emma was named in honor of her aunt, Emma Long Vie.

She sent the postcard below to her future husband in 1908.

to: Mr. Elmer Smith, Superior, Wyo.
from: 217 South 12th St., Chariton, Iowa
Sept. 22nd 1908
Well now what do you know about this .Couldn't keep my mouth shut long enough to have my picture taken. Please don't notice the paint on my nose. Had this taken in the pasture when I was in Commerce.

She married John Elmer Smith on July 4, 1909 when she was nineteen years old in Chariton, Lucas County, Iowa. Their children and life together are described in detail in the section on John and Emma Smith.

Emma collected postcards. The collection is mostly from 1908 to 1915.

Her niece, Maryon White wrote

I have no idea where or when Elmer met Emma Bertrand, but she must have been one really remarkable lady. I never ever heard anyone say anything but the kindest things about her.

She died January 7, 1930 from chronic nephritis. She was 39.

Mrs. Emma Smith
Mrs. Todd Lane of Lincoln Township has received word of the death of her niece, Mrs. Emma Smith of Omaha, Nebraska, which occurred on Tuesday. Mrs. Smith was formerly Miss Emma Bertrand of this city, and had many friends here who will learn of her demise with sorrow.

She was buried with her husband, Elmer, at West Lawn and Hillcrest Memorial Park, 5701 Center Street in Omaha, Nebraska.

Mrs. J. Elmer Smith
Emma Ethel, daughter of Joseph and Viola Bertrand, was born March 17, 1890 in Des Moines, Ia., and passed away January 7, 1930 in an Omaha, Nebraska hospital after a short illness of two days with kidney and heart trouble. Although she had been in poor health for some time her death was unexpected and came as a shock to her relatives and friends.

Her age was 39 years, 9 months and 21 days.

While still a small child she moved with her parents to Chariton, Iowa, where she grew to young womanhood and where on July 4, 1909 she was united in marriage to John Elmer Smith, also of Chariton.

Six children were born to this union, all of whom are living and are left with the husband to mourn the loss of a kind and devoted wife and mother. Her first thought was for her family.

She also leaves four sisters Mrs. Marie Shimp, Omaha, Neb. Mrs. Blanche Higgins and Mrs. Francis Metela both of Cedar Rapids, Ia., Mrs. Lura Bechtel, Hazelton N. D. and one brother, Franklin Merle Bertrand of Davenport, Ia. All attended the last sad rites except Mrs. Bechtel . She also leaves a number of other relatives and friends.