Person:Jefferson Smelser (4)

!CENSUS:Living with parents 1870 and as Josephine in 1880
!CENSUS:1900 California (Napa, Knox Twp) E.D. 90, Sheet 5, Line 40 Laborer-?mine
!CENSUS:1910 California (Napa, Napa 1st Ward) E.D. , Sheet , Line 1 Engineer-Fire Department;
!BURIAL: Block 92, Lot 24, Space 6;

NEWSPAPER:Unknown
Jeff D. Smelser and bride, nee Lottie McCrellis, have taken up their residence in Monticello. Jeff has been running the Napa stage since the first of last August, and he has made the whole community over here friendly to him by his obliging manners and the regularity of his daily trips. Not in one solitary instance has he been behind time, and he often arrives in the evening in Monticello one or two hours ahead of schedule time, which is 6 o'clock. Quite a blessing to people who are from home waiting for mail. It is needless to say anything of Mrs. Smelser as she was always a great favorite with the people of Berryessa.

NEWSPAPER:Unknown
SUDDEN DEATH

Jefferson D. Smelser, Engineer of Napa Fire Department, Seized by Fatal Attack of Neuralgia of Heart

Jefferson D. Smelser, engineer of the Napa Fire Department, who for the past eleven years had given to the city faithful adn efficient service, passed away suddenly at the family residence on Second street at about three o'clock Sunday afternoon from neuralgia of the heart.

Mr. Smelser, with ohter members of the department, had been assisting Harry Bruton in overhauling an automobile at the engine house when he state that he was not feeling well adn that he thought he would go home and rest for awhile. Shortly after reaching the dwelling he was seized with severe pains in the arms and chest, and Dr. Welti was summoned to attend him. Hardly had the physician reached the house, however, than Mr. Smelser passed away. He was conscious up to the last and was talking and joking with those around him, evidently having no idea that his condition was so serious.

His death came as a great shock to the family, to the members of the Fire Department and to his many friends in the community, for he wsa held in the highest esteem.

Deceased was 52 years of age and a native of Nevada, where his aged mother and some brothers and sisters still reside.

Besides his widow these three children survive: Miss Lorena Smelser, a student at the University of California, Laurel Smelser and Josephine Smelser.

Deceased spent the greater part of his life in Napa. For many years he drove the Monticello stage. He was also employed formerly as engineer at the Evans Shoe Factory and at the cannery in East Napa which was burned.

The funeral will be held from the Kyser Funeral Parlors at three o'clock Tuesday afternoon.

The engine house is today draped in mourning and the flag over the City Hall flies at half mast out of respect to the memory of the deceased.

Napa Newspaper-Probably the Daily Journal
March 20, 1917

J.D. SMELSER SUDDENLY PASSED AWAY

Much-Esteemed resident of Napa and Engineer of Fire Department for 11 Years, Stricken by Heart Disease Sunday Afternoon

Jefferson D. Smelser, for the past eleven years engineer of the Napa Fire Department, died suddenly at his home on Second street, at about 2:30 o'clock on Sunday afternoon, from neuralgia of the heart. Mr. Smelser, with other members of the department, was overhauling an automobile at the engine house, when he suddenly exclaimed to Arthur Moody, who was working near him, "I have cut my finger." On investigation it wsa found that he had lacerated the index finger of his right hand on a piece of tin. A few minutes later, he complained of feeling faint and went and sat down. Soon afterward, not feeling any better, he went to his home. Soon after arriving there, he was attacked with severe pains in his arms and chest, and Dr. Laurence Welti was called. Mr. Smelser did not seem to realize that his condition was serious and appeared to be in good spirits, even apologizing to Dr. Welti for having him called for so slight a matter. A moment after, however, he expired.

Coroner Webber held an inquest at 4 o'clock Monday afternoon. Dr. Welti was examined as a witness, and gave the story of his visit to Mr. Smelser and of the latter's sudden demise. Judging from the symptoms, and owing to the fact that deceased had pains of a similar character in the past, Dr. Welti said the cause of death was angina pectoris (neuralgia of the heart).

Arthur Moody, the other witness examined, told the story of Mr. Smelser's accident and of the latter's departure for his home.

The jury rendered a verdict in accordance with Dr. Welti's opinion.

Mr. Smelser's death came as a great shock to the family, to the members of the Fire Department and to his many friends in the community, for he was held in the highest esteem.

Deceased was 52 years of age and a native of Nevada, where his aged mother and some brothers and sisters still reside.

Besides his widow three children survive--Miss Lorena Smelser, a student at the University of California; Laurel Smelser, and Josephine Smelser.

Deceased spent the greater part of his life in Napa. For many years he drove the Monticello stage. He was also employed formerly as engineer at the Evans Shoe Factory and at the cannery in East Napa which was burned.

The funeral will be held from the Kyser Funeral Parlors at 3 o'clock this afternoon.

The engine house is draped in mourning and the flag over the City Hall flies at half-mast out of respect to the memory of the deceased.

FAMILY NOTE:
Laurel was an electrical engineer
Lorena was a teacher
Josephine married a doctor and they lived in Australia