An American Family History

Cora Edna Smith Downard was born in Benton Township, Lucas County, Iowa on November 11, 1879. She was the daughter of Josiah Smith and Sarah Pitts.    

She married Frank Benjamin Downard in December, 1899.  Frank was born on November 4, 1877 in Van Buren Iowa. He was the son of Isaac Newton (Bud) Downard and Anna West. He was a one of the first mail carriers in Russell, Iowa.

Mr. Frank Downard and Miss Cora Smith, both of Benton township, were married in Russell last Thursday afternoon. From there they went to Ottumwa for a few days visit with his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Davenport.

The bride is a charming young woman, fully capable of presiding over a home. The groom is a son of Isaac Downard and wife and is an honest, industrious young man, enjoying the respect of the community in which he lives. They will go to housekeeping in Benton township and their friends wish them a happy and prosperous life.

Cora and Frank's five children were:
Clell Franklin Downard (1900),
Lester Everett (1902),
Iceal Florence Downard Bailie (1905)
Eva Eloise Downard Hubbell (1907, and
Herbert Tarvin Downard (1915). 

They appeared in the 1900 census in Benton Township, Lucas County, Iowa.

Frank died in 1935. Cora died on December 19, 1955. She is buried in Russell Cemetery, Washington Township, Lucas County with her husband Frank.

Children of Josiah Smith, Sr. and Sarah Pitts Elizabeth Jane Smith Frank Allison Woodrow Smith Nancy Ann Smith Wilson Mary Ellen Smith Widaman Dixon David Henry Smith Josiah Allen Smith John Smith George Washington Smith William Smith Ida Belle Smith Hoops Sarah Catherine Smith Hoops Charles Elmer Smith Cora Edna Smith Downard