Obituary Record
Smelker, Jefferson - March 5, 1910
Bay St. Louis, Miss., March 5. - Jefferson Smelker, a prominent contractor and builder, died suddenly today from an attack of heart failure, at his home in Main Street. Mr. Smelker was in his usual health, and after eating dinner resumed work. He requested his wife to make him a cup of coffee, which she did, and upon taking it to him found him senseless on the floor. A physician was called but the man expired without regaining consciousness. Mr. Smelkern was a native of Dayton, Ohio, and was 48 years of age. He came to Bay St. Louis in 1892, and shortly after his arrival here was united in marriage with Miss Florence Gardebled, a sister of Mayor G. G. Gardebled. From this union six children were born. Three daughters survive him, with his wife, his father, his sisters and a brother.
Source: Sea Coast Echo 5 Mar 1910 - VF Gardebled