Henry T. Bays1

M, #50701, b. circa 1874
Birth*circa 1874 Henry T. Bays was born circa 1874 at Nicholas Co, WV.1 
Marriage*25 Mar 1896 He married Julia Frances Sevy at Fayette Co, WV, on 25 Mar 1896.
Henry T. Bays, age 22, single, b. Nicholas Co, res. Fayette Co, par. Geo W. & Virginia, farmer; Julia F. Sevy, age 19, single, b. Fayette Co, res. Fayette Co, par. J.C. & Rebecca; md by A.E. Odell.1 

Partners and Children

Citations

  1. [S2712] WV Marriages Fayette Co, WV.

Samuel Wood1

M, #50702, b. circa 1882
Birth*circa 1882 Samuel Wood was born circa 1882 at Possum Creek, Fayette Co, WV.1 
Marriage*30 Oct 1915 He married Rosa Lee Smithson at Ansted, Fayette Co, WV, on 30 Oct 1915.
Samuel Wood, age 33, single, b. Possum Creek, res. Mountain Cove, par. Levi & Lizzie, sawyer; Rosa Lee Smithson, age 23, single, b. Summers Co, res. Ansted, par. S.C. & Minnie; md by Geo B. Dever at N. Ansted.1 
Employment*Apr 1930 Occupation: coal miner in Apr 1930 at Ansted, Fayette Co, WV.1 
Census*14 Apr 1930 Samuel Wood and Rosa Lee Smithson appeared on the census as head of household at Ansted, Fayette Co, WV, on 14 Apr 1930.1 
Census16 Apr 1940 Samuel Wood and Rosa Lee Smithson appeared on the census as head of household at Ansted, Fayette Co, WV, on 16 Apr 1940.1 

Census Record Summary

Enumeration DateCensus LocationHousehold Members
14 Apr 1930Ansted, Fayette Co, WVSamuel Wood, Rosa Lee Smithson, Robert Wood, Samuel Wood and Spencer Creigh Smithson1
16 Apr 1940Ansted, Fayette Co, WVSamuel Wood, Rosa Lee Smithson, Robert Wood, Samuel Wood and Raleigh Smithson1

Partners and Children

Children

Citations

  1. [S205] 1790-1950 U.S. Census, Population Schedule, online at ancestry.com.

Robert Wood1

M, #50703, b. circa 1916
FatherSamuel Wood1 b. circa 1882
MotherRosa Lee Smithson1 b. Oct 1893
Birth*circa 1916 Robert Wood was born circa 1916 at WV.1 
 He was the son of Samuel Wood and Rosa Lee Smithson.1 
(Witness) Census14 Apr 1930 Robert Wood appeared on the census of 14 Apr 1930 in the household of Samuel Wood and Rosa Lee Smithson at Ansted, Fayette Co, WV.1 
Employment*Apr 1940 Robert's occupation: Projectionist, theatre at Ansted, Fayette Co, WV, in Apr 1940.1 
(Witness) Census16 Apr 1940 He appeared on the census of 16 Apr 1940 in the household of Samuel Wood and Rosa Lee Smithson at Ansted, Fayette Co, WV.1 

Census Record Summary

Enumeration DateCensus LocationHousehold Members
14 Apr 1930Ansted, Fayette Co, WVSamuel Wood, Rosa Lee Smithson, Robert Wood, Samuel Wood and Spencer Creigh Smithson1
16 Apr 1940Ansted, Fayette Co, WVSamuel Wood, Rosa Lee Smithson, Robert Wood, Samuel Wood and Raleigh Smithson1

Citations

  1. [S205] 1790-1950 U.S. Census, Population Schedule, online at ancestry.com.

Samuel Wood1

M, #50704, b. circa 1919
FatherSamuel Wood1 b. circa 1882
MotherRosa Lee Smithson1 b. Oct 1893
Birth*circa 1919 Samuel Wood was born circa 1919 at WV.1 
 He was the son of Samuel Wood and Rosa Lee Smithson.1 
(Witness) Census14 Apr 1930 Samuel Wood appeared on the census of 14 Apr 1930 in the household of Samuel Wood and Rosa Lee Smithson at Ansted, Fayette Co, WV.1 
Employment*Apr 1940 Occupation: salesman in Apr 1940 at Ansted, Fayette Co, WV. Popcorn, theatre.1 
(Witness) Census16 Apr 1940 Samuel Wood appeared on the census of 16 Apr 1940 in the household of Samuel Wood and Rosa Lee Smithson at Ansted, Fayette Co, WV.1 

Census Record Summary

Enumeration DateCensus LocationHousehold Members
14 Apr 1930Ansted, Fayette Co, WVSamuel Wood, Rosa Lee Smithson, Robert Wood, Samuel Wood and Spencer Creigh Smithson1
16 Apr 1940Ansted, Fayette Co, WVSamuel Wood, Rosa Lee Smithson, Robert Wood, Samuel Wood and Raleigh Smithson1

Citations

  1. [S205] 1790-1950 U.S. Census, Population Schedule, online at ancestry.com.

Clarence Wood1

M, #50705
FatherSamuel Wood1 b. circa 1882
MotherRosa Lee Smithson1 b. Oct 1893
 Clarence Wood is the son of Samuel Wood and Rosa Lee Smithson.1 

Citations

  1. [S205] 1790-1950 U.S. Census, Population Schedule, online at ancestry.com.

Margaret W. Jiles1

F, #50706, b. circa 1909
Birth*circa 1909 Margaret was born at OH circa 1909.1 
Marriage*circa 1925 She married Raleigh Smithson, son of Spencer Creigh Smithson and Minnie Lee Boalt, circa 1925.1 
Employment*Apr 1930 Margaret's occupation: Stitcher, shoe factory at Ironton, Lawrence Co, OH, in Apr 1930.1 
Census*2 Apr 1930 Raleigh Smithson and Margaret W. Jiles were listed as residents in the census report at Ironton, Lawrence Co, OH, on 2 Apr 1930. Enumerated in the household of Laura S. Jiles, mother of Margaret W. Smithson.1 
Marriage* She married Wilber Sudback.1 
Census*12 Apr 1940 Margaret W. Jiles and Wilber Sudback appeared on the census as head of household at Cincinnati, Hamilton Co, OH, on 12 Apr 1940.1 

Census Record Summary

Enumeration DateCensus LocationHousehold Members
2 Apr 1930Ironton, Lawrence Co, OHRaleigh Smithson, Margaret W. Jiles and Ralph Nathaniel Smithson1
12 Apr 1940Cincinnati, Hamilton Co, OHWilber Sudback, Margaret W. Jiles and Ralph Nathaniel Smithson1

Partners and Children

Children

Partners and Children

Citations

  1. [S205] 1790-1950 U.S. Census, Population Schedule, online at ancestry.com.

Ralph Nathaniel Smithson1,2

M, #50707, b. 14 Jan 1926, d. 27 Dec 2010
Ralph Nathaniel Smithson
Image credit: Obituary photo
FatherRaleigh Smithson1 b. Aug 1897, d. 23 Jul 1951
MotherMargaret W. Jiles1 b. circa 1909
Birth*14 Jan 1926 Ralph was born at Ironton, Lawrence Co, OH, on 14 Jan 1926.2,3,1 
 He was the son of Raleigh Smithson and Margaret W. Jiles.1 
(Witness) Census2 Apr 1930 Ralph Nathaniel Smithson appeared on the census of 2 Apr 1930 in the household of Raleigh Smithson and Margaret W. Jiles at Ironton, Lawrence Co, OH.1 
(Witness) Census12 Apr 1940 Ralph Nathaniel Smithson appeared on the census of 12 Apr 1940 in the household of Wilber Sudback and Margaret W. Jiles at Cincinnati, Hamilton Co, OH.1 
(informant) Death23 Jul 1951 Ralph was informant for the death of Raleigh Smithson at Laird Memorial Hospital, Montgomery, Fayette Co, WV, on 23 Jul 1951.4 
Death*27 Dec 2010 Ralph died on 27 Dec 2010 at Redwood City, San Mateo Co, CA, at age 84.
Ralph Nathaniel Smithson

“That reminds me of a story...”

Ralph Nathaniel Smithson, a true patriot and member of the greatest generation, was lifted from his earthly bonds on the wings of his Army Air Corp service. Born on Jan 14, 1926 to Raleigh and Margaret Smithson in Ironton , Ohio , Ralph grew up in Cincinnati and attended Withrow High School . He was a member of the Chi Sigma Chi and remained friends with many of his schoolmates throughout this life.

He had an amazing zest for life, loved his country, his family and friends, and the city of Redwood City , his home for the last 31 years.

Always a hard worker, he held many jobs as a youth from delivering newspapers to setting pins in a bowling alley to selling shoes. He loved flying and enlisted in the US Army Air Corps while still a senior in high school so he could choose his branch of service. He served his country proudly from high school graduation in 1944 to 1946, rising to the rank of sergeant.

Following his service tour, he returned to Cincinnati and enrolled in the University of Cincinnati . A born salesman, he worked in materials handling for Trailmobile, Hyster, and Clark Equipment Company. He retired from Clark as the Western Region Dealer Manager, having won many awards and made many friends across the country through the dealer network. Post retirement, he joined Clarklift San Jose as Used Equipment Manager. He was a father figure to many young men and thrived on inspiring them to succeed in life.

He loved travel and history and visited many historic sites in the 50 states. In retirement, he and his wife enjoyed trips to Europe and throughout the West and California . He volunteered for the Veteran's Administration, producing WWII stories of veterans for the History Project of the Library of Congress. His own story “From Boy to Man” is housed there.

He loved fishing and entertaining friends at the couple's vacation homes in Clearlake and Wisconsin . He particularly delighted in teaching youngsters to fish. He discovered his joy for gardening after surviving a stroke in 2000 and he delighted in planting his favorite red rose bushes in the gardens of his friends.

Many will remember Ralph for his beautiful smile, deep laughter, quick wit, sharp mind, and laughing till he cried over his own jokes. He never met a stranger and something always reminded him of a story. He was generous with his time and always willing to lend a helping hand. He was always there for a donation to those in need. He could tell stories and jokes endlessly. How we will miss that twinkle in his eye, that smile, his stories, and his zest for life.

He leaves behind his loving wife and companion of 42 years, Linda Bruns Smithson, son Kyle Smithson (Lynette), daughter Paula Smithson, 5 grand children, 1 great grandson, very dear nephews and nieces, and brother in law G. Richard Bruns (Margie). His brother, Donald, preceded him in death.2,3 

Census Record Summary

Enumeration DateCensus LocationHousehold Members
2 Apr 1930Ironton, Lawrence Co, OHRaleigh Smithson, Margaret W. Jiles and Ralph Nathaniel Smithson1
12 Apr 1940Cincinnati, Hamilton Co, OHWilber Sudback, Margaret W. Jiles and Ralph Nathaniel Smithson1

Citations

  1. [S205] 1790-1950 U.S. Census, Population Schedule, online at ancestry.com.
  2. [S1] Social Security Administration., Social Security Death Index (Online at www.ancestry.com),.
  3. [S237] Obituary, Ralph Nathaniel Smithson, online at http://www.bayareacremations.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=303925, accessed January 2017.
  4. [S2683] WV Death Certificate online at www.wvculture.org,.

Donald Smithson1

M, #50708
FatherRaleigh Smithson1 b. Aug 1897, d. 23 Jul 1951
MotherMargaret W. Jiles1 b. circa 1909
 Donald Smithson is the son of Raleigh Smithson and Margaret W. Jiles.1 

Citations

  1. [S205] 1790-1950 U.S. Census, Population Schedule, online at ancestry.com.

Wilber Sudback1

M, #50709, b. circa 1907
Birth*circa 1907 Wilber Sudback was born circa 1907 at OH.1 
Marriage* He married Margaret W. Jiles.1 
Employment*Apr 1940 Wilber's occupation: Assembler, Fisher Body Co at Cincinnati, Hamilton Co, OH, in Apr 1940.1 
Census*12 Apr 1940 He and Margaret W. Jiles appeared on the census as head of household at Cincinnati, Hamilton Co, OH, on 12 Apr 1940.1 

Census Record Summary

Enumeration DateCensus LocationHousehold Members
12 Apr 1940Cincinnati, Hamilton Co, OHWilber Sudback, Margaret W. Jiles and Ralph Nathaniel Smithson1

Partners and Children

Citations

  1. [S205] 1790-1950 U.S. Census, Population Schedule, online at ancestry.com.