Dad worked hard for many years for his father on the old farm. After his father passed away, Jessie Newman, Judson’s 2nd wife, came into full inheritance of the Smith assests. As a result, Ralph applied for a government loan to supply the smaller farm on Twin Lakes with cattle, horses, machinery and equity to begin his own business. From August to spring he drove truck for our family’s support until spring when he put in his first crops. Meanwhile he purchased hay and grain to feed the cows and horses. Mother helped out by clerking for Janda’s Department Store in Stillwater. This took place in 1940-41. One-fourth of the creamery check was withdrawn to apply to his loan. Jane did housekeeping for a neighbor and I did some babysitting, too. He was a very good businessman. Dad’s pall bearers were: Bertel Christensen, Rollyn Powell, Bruce Peterson, Dale Peterson, Ernest Mechelke and Thomas Seim. He was born with a congenitally deformed hip which pained him his lifetime.