Emil Smith was born in Longview Township on May 15, 1887. His mother was Amanda Kallberg Smith. His father died when he was a small boy and he spent much of his time with his grandparents. Mr. Smith graduated from Carrington High School and attended the University of North Dakota for two years. He spent some years as a bookkeeper and as a salesman.
On February 25, 1919, Emil married Jennie Knoll, who was born at Fulton, Illinois, on September 19, 1888. Jennie was one of the first nurses at the Carrington Hospital and later was the Superintendent of the hospital. The Smiths lived on farms in the Longview area until 1963 when they retired and moved to Carrington.
They had three daughters: Janice, Phyllis and one who died in infancy. They adopted a son, Lloyd, as an infant. The Smiths also cared for nine foster children; some for months and some for years.
Mr. Smith served as treasurer of the Seventh Day Adventist Church for over 20 years. He was active in the County Historical Society.
Mrs. Smith died March 19, 1975 and Mr. Smith died March 18, 1981. They are buried in the Carrington Cemetery.
Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 69B