Jay Monroe Smith

I have an old postcard photograph identified as Jay SMITH, son of Raleigh M. SMITH which was likely taken some time between 1907 and 1912. There is no studio or location identified and the photograph is taken outdoors on a donkey with Jay likely just a couple years old at the time. Based on limited research I was able to gather the following information regarding Jay and his family:

Jay Monroe SMITH was b. 17 Jun 1909 in Pottsville, PA to Raleigh SMITH (b. 1887) and Helen Pauline SMALL (1877-1943) who were married in Pottsville, PA on 5 Sept 1908. It appears that his parents divorced, and his mother married William John KNELL (1886-1941) and Jay’s name was changed from SMITH to KNELL. Jay married Marian H. HEISLER (1914-1999) on 25 Dec 1942 in Pottsville, PA and he died in Jan 1978 in Pottsville, PA and is buried in the Charles Baber Cemetery in Pottsville, PA.

Raleigh M. SMITH was b. 31 Mar 1886 in Dayton, OH or Schuylkill Co., PA to parents Clarence E. SMITH (b. 1859 or 1860) and Anna J. HAYTH or HOYTH (b. 1861 or 1862). Raleigh had one sibling, a sister Bertha J. SMITH WAGNER b. 1896. It appears that he was only married the one time and only had the one child, Jay.

I am hoping to get this precious old photograph back to family and would appreciate you contacting me if you are a member of this family or know someone who might be.

Thanks,
Shelley