Emeline was born on June 6, 1831 in Halton, Ontario. She was the daughter of Jacob and Maria (Thompson) Swackhammer. Jacob and Maria had seventeen children; Nancy Ann (1818) Susan Margaret (1820), Catherine Jane (1822), Christopher (1824), Sarah Matilda (1826), Julie Ann (1827), Hannah Elize (1829), Emeline Drusilla (1831), Robert (1832-1832), Amanda Marilla (1833-1849), Phoebe Cordilla (1835), James (1836-1842), Hiram Denny (1838), John (1839-1842), Mary Priscilla (1839), Martha Rosena (1842), Caroline Lucinda (1845)

She married David Wardell Smith in 1853. They had four children; Albert (1854), Ella (1855), John Hiram (1860), Mary Elisa (1862). They lived in Wellington, Ontario where  David was a farmer.  It appears that they stayed in the same area throughout their lives.

In the 1861 Canadian Census, David and Emeline Smith are found with two small children and David’s parents seem to be living with them. By the time of the 1871 Canadian Census, David’s parents Deborah (69 years old) and John (74 years old) remain living with David and Emeline and they now have four children, Albert, Ella, John and Mary. They are living in Wellington Center, Ontario. In the 1881 Canadian Census, David and Emeline reside next to his parents, John and Deborah. The two youngest children remain at home, John and Mary. In the 1891 Canadian Census, there seems to be some confusion about who lives in what household by the census taker. Albert is married and lives next door to his parents. John and his wife may still be living with Emeline and David. John and May appear to have a son named Alvin. In the 1901 Canadian Census, David and Emeline live in Wellington with John and Albert and their families living on either side of them.

One hundred and fourteen years ago today, Emeline died.  She is buried in Churchill Cemetery where there are many Swackhammer and Smith relatives buried.

Rest in peace, Emeline!

Love, Jan

Emeline is the niece of the husband of my three time Great Grand Aunt.