The Smith Families of Clinton County, Iowa

COLONEL JOHN H. SMITH.

Among the representative and. prominent citizens of Camanche is Colonel John Henry Smith, who was born in Guilderland, Albany county. New York, March 19, 1827, and is a son of George Jacob Smith, a native of the same county. His grandfather, Jacob Henry Smith, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and came to this country as one of the soldiers in the employ of the English government during the Revolutionary war. While serving under Burgoyne at Saratoga he was captured by the Continental troops, and afterward foreswore his allegiance to all foreign countries and became an American citizen. Locating in Albany county. Xew York, he there married and reared a family. By occupation he was a farmer, as was also the father of our subject, who spent his entire life in Albany county. He married Johanna Synder, also a native of that county, and the only child born of this union was our subject. The Colonel was only seven years old when his father died, and his mother subsequently married an uncle of our subject, who was a black smith by trade.

Colonel Smith was principally educated in the German schools of his native county, and until thirteen years of age he worked with his step-father in the blacksmith shop. On leaving home at that time, he went to Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he was employed in a machine shop for three years, and then returned to Albany county, New York, where he followed farming until coming west in 1844, which year witnessed his arrival in Chicago. He made two trips as engineer on a propeller plying between that city and Detroit, but soon tired of the water and accepted a position as clerk in the office of Bristol & Porter, Chicago, with which firm he remained until the summer of 1845. He was next engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1849. and was subsequently employed as engineer in a sawmill at Spring Lake, Michigan, until 1850.

In March of that year Colonel Smith was united in marriage with Miss Emily P. Cooley, a native of Hartford, Connecticut, which state was also the birthplace of her parents, Thomas and Anna ( Kennedy ) Cooley. The father was a prominent politician and served as superintendent of the state arsenal at Hartford for many years.

Unto the Colonel and his wife were born six children, namely: Charles A., deceased; George A., a prominent physician of Clinton, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume; Harry Cooley and Richard, both deceased; Frances E., who lives with her father in Camanche; and Jessie M., wife of W. L. Dannatt, of Low Moor, this county. The eldest son, Charles, who was born September 5, 1852, and died January 28, 1881, was a prominent attorney and assistant United States internal revenue collector at Clinton. The mother of these children, who was a consistent member of the Methodist church, and a most estimable lady, died in May, 1892, and was laid to rest in the Camanche cemetery.

After his marriage Colonel Smith was engaged as engineer on the St. Charles division of the Chicago & Galena Union Railway for six months, and in the spring of 1852 came to Clinton, Iowa, entering a tract of government land on section twenty-six, Center township, which at that time was all wild prairie. He erected a board shanty upon his place, in which the family lived the following summer, and in the fall built a small frame house, which was his home until 1855. On selling that place he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on section eighteen. Center township, and also eighty acres in Washington township. He had broken and fenced about one hundred acres of this when the news that Fort Sumpter had been fired upon arrived, and feeling that his country needed his services, he enlisted, October 17, 1861, in Company A, Sixteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, being mustered in as captain. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Iuka, the second battle of Corinth, and the siege of Vicksburg. In March, 1864, he veteranized and returned home on a short furlough. He then joined the Seventeenth Army Corps, under General Blair, at Cairo, from there he marched overland to Sherman's army at Kingston, Georgia, and participated in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. During the battle of Atlanta his regiment was captured, and he was taken to Macon and later to Charleston. When the Union forces were shelling the latter city, he and his fellow prisoners were placed in the most exposed portion of the city, where the shells from the guns of their own soldiers made it exceedingly dangerous. Colonel Smith was finally transferred to Columbia. South Carolina, where, in company with four others, he eluded the guards and started for the Union lines. When their escape was discovered bloodhounds were put upk m the track. They traveled by night and concealed themselves during the day time, until, reaching the Congaree river, they floated down that stream to the Santee and so on to its mouth, where they discovered the Canandaigua, a gunboat, eleven miles out. Looking around tjHey found an old box boat, in which they made their way to the vessel, arriving there after three weeks of hiding, traveling and starving. All they had to eat was received from the colored people along the way, and that in very small quantities. Admiral Dalgren transferred them to General Foster's headquarters at Hilton Head. On his return \v ime Captain Smith reported to the secretary of war, and was ordered to rejoin his regiment, which he did. He was then appointed major at the unanimous request of every officer in the regiment, which was of itself a compliment, and later, for meritorious mention by General Stone, was commissioned lieutenant colonel. The war having practically ended, he resigned at Louisville, Kentucky, on the 22nd of June, 1865. After his return home the citizens of Lyons presented him with a sword, sash and belt to replace the ones which, when he was captured at Atlanta, he destroyed rather than deliver them into the hands of the enemy. While a prisoner at Columbia he was compelled to sleep in the open air without blanket or covering. The rations he and the other prisoners received were five pints of cornmeal, one pint of molasses, a spoonful of salt and a small quantity of rice per week, and they were compelled to do their own cooking.

While he was in the army the Colonel's family resided in Lyons, and on his return home they took up their residence in Camanche, where, in partnership with W. H. Hoyt, he purchased a flouring mill, which they successfully conducted until 1869, when our subject sold his interest, but the mill was destroyed by fire before he received payment for the same. During that year he was appointed assistant United States assessor in the internal revenue service for the second collection district of Iowa, and in 1872 was appointed United States danger of liquors in the same district, holding the position until after the change in administration, in 1885. As the duties of that office only required a portion of his time, he embarked in fruit raising in 1873, and has since followed that pursuit. He still resides in Camanche, and is an active man, though past seventy-four years of age.

As a public-spirited and progressive citizen. Colonel Smith has always taken a commendable interest in public affairs, and helped to organize the first school and build the first school building in Center township, the money for the same coming out of the pockets of a few. Being elected from that township, he became a member of the first board of supervisors in Clinton county, and also killed the offices of assessor and treasurer of the school board of Center township, and also president of the school board of Camanche, as well as alderman and mayor of the village. He was instrumental in establishing a poor-house in the county, and in the care of paupers saved the county considerable money. In 1865 the Colonel was elected state senator, and for four a carsrepresented his district faithfully and well in the legislative hall of the state, serving as chairman of the committee on manufactories, and a member of the railroad committee. Politically he is a Republican, and socially is a member of Cady Post, No. 41, Grand Army of the Republic at Camanche; Camanche Lodge, No. 60, Free and Accepted Masons; Hope Lodge, No. 13, Ancient Order of the United Workmen. His loyalty as a citizen and his devotion to his country's interests have been among his marked characteristics; and his life has been many, his actions sincere and his example is well worthy of emulation.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

GEORGE A. SMITH, M. D.

Herein we record the life of one who has brought exceptional abilities and attainments to the practice of one of the noblest professions and who has correspondingly had a career in that profession which has been extraordinary. Among the physicians of this section of the state none ranks higher, either in a professional way or personally, than does Doctor Smith.

George A. Smith was born in Center township, Clinton county, Iowa, July 6, 1854, the son of John Henry and Emily (Cool'ey) Smith. His paternal grandparents were natives of Albany county. New York, where they lived and died, and were of German descent and residents of a German community. His grandfather was a wagonmaker by trade. His maternal grandparents were Thomas and Ann (Kennedy) Cooley, and were residents of Hartford, Connecticut, where their daughter Emily was born. This grandfather was the officer in charge of the United States arsenal there. In the early forties they came to Kane county, Illinois, and later removed to Black Hawk county, Iowa, residing at Waterloo until their death.

John H. Smith and Emily Cooley were married in Illinois in 1851, where he was engaged as a locomotive engineer, and was one of the first to run over the Chicago & Northwestern railroad to Dixon, Ilbnois. He later came to Clinton county, Iowa, and went to farming on government land, at which he continued until the Civil war. He then recruited Company A, Sixteenth Iowa Volunteers, and was its first captain. He received rapid promotion on account of gallant service, being advanced to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and was mustered out in that capacity at the riraiid Review in Washington in 1865. Because of physical hardships endured in Southern prisons he did not feel equal to the hard labor of farming and in 1865 he opened a flouring mill at Camanche and was engaged in that business for several years. Then he was appointed to a position in the Ihiited States internal revenue service which he held for some years but has ntiw retired to a farm in Camanche township where he is spending his old age in small fruit farming and finds in it much enjoyment. He is now eighty-four. In 1865 he was elected as state senator for four years. Before this he had served as a member of the first board of supervisors of Clinton county when organized. His wife died in 1893. She had borne to him seven children, of whom three are living. He has been a man of much prominence and influence, and the recollection of his life has been an inspiration to his children.

George A. Smith attended the schools of Clinton county, and took his professional course at the State University, graduating in i88t. He then located in Camanche, was there four years and then in 1885 came to Clinton, where he has since practiced. During five years of this time he operated a drug store in connection with his practice, but aside from this has devoted himself to his profession with great success. He has made his name as a physician widely known in this section of Iowa. He has always taken an active part in politics, but was never a candidate for office until this spring when he ran for mayor of the city of Clinton. He was school director from 1897 to 1903. In 1891, under President Harrison, he was United States examining surgeon. In 1895 and 'gfi and in 1902 he was physician to the board of health, and in 1903 was city physician. During the Spanish-American war he was appointed by President McKinley a brigade-surgeon, ranking as major, and was in command of the field hospital of the Second Division, Third Army Corps, at Chickamauga, Georgia. lie was gi\en special command to precede and arrange a reception hospital for Gen. Fitzhugh Lee"s command on its arrival at Havana, but was prevented by typhoid fever. He is a member of the Clinton County and Iowa State Medical Societies, and of the American Medical Association and the Second District Medical Society. In his fraternal relations he is a Mason, a charter member of the Odd Fellows at Clinton, and one of the organizers of Lodge No. 199, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, at Clinton.

Mr. Smith was married on October 4, 1882, to M. Nettie Ireland, a daughter of A. B. and Mary (Cady) Ireland. A. B. Ireland was a pioneer in Iowa, first locating in Belle View in 1847, spending the years from 1849 to 1852 in California, returning to Camanche in the latter year, and was one of the first doctors in Clinton county. He was a man of prominence and influence and succeeded John H. Smith as senator from this district. He and his wife are dead. Dr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of two children, Mabel Ireland, born September 8, 1884, wife of Carlos G. Tredway, of St. Louis, and Homer Ireland, born July 7, 1890, now a student in Iowa State University. The Doctor is one who has many warm personal friends, gained by the geniality of his nature. He is respected by the members of his profession and has a strong and powerful influence in the county. He is one of whom his city is justly proud, both as a man and because of his professional record.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

GEORGE A. SMITH, M. D.

One of the most progressive and successful physicians in Iowa is Dr. George A. Smith, of Clinton, who is a native of this count v. He was born on a farm in Center township, July 6, 1854. His parents were Colonel J. Henry and Emily P. (Cooley) Smith, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. The father is still a resident of Camanche, but the mother died at her home in that place in May, 1892. She was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1834, and was a daughter of Thomas Cooley, a prominent politician, who held the position of superintendent of the United States arsenal in Hartford for many years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Ann Kennedy, was of Irish extraction and a direct descendant of one of the passengers of the Mayflower.

Dr. Smith spent his boyhood and young manhood in Lyons and Camanche, where he attended the public schools. Later, he took a course at the Clinton Business College and the Iowa State University. At the age of sixteen he was apprenticed to a carpenter and builder, and followed that occupation for four years. When nineteen years of age, he commenced teaching school, to which profession he devoted his attention for several years. ' He was also clerk and manager of a drug store for three years.

However, having decided to make the practice of medicine and surgery his life work, Dr. Smith entered the office of Dr. A. B. Ireland, of Camanche, now deceased, and later, entered the medical department of the Iowa State University, from which institution he graduated in March, 1881, with the degree of M. D. During the succeeding four years he engaged in the practice of his profession in Camanche, and in connection conducted a drug 3tore. In July, 1885, he removed to Clinton, and since then has devoted his entire time and attention to his professional duties, building" up one of the best practices in eastern Iowa. He gives special attention to surgery and obstetrics, and has for many years been surgeon for the great lumbering" firms of W. J. Young & Company and C. Lamb & Sons, and for Curtis Brothers, sash, door and blind manufacturers. He has been alone in practice, with the exception of one year — 1889 — when he was associated with Dr. A. H. Smith, now deceased, the partnership terminating at the latter's death.

In 1 89 1, under President Harrison's administration, Dr. Smith was appointed United States examining" surgeon for pensions, and was a member and secretary of the board for Clinton county and vicinity. He is a member of the Clinton Medical Society in which he has held the offices of president and secretary, and is also a member of the Iowa State Medical Society, in which he served as Chairman of the section on practice of medicine in 1897. n J93 he was a member of the board of state examiners for the commencement of the medical department of the State University. He has contributed many able articles on medicine and surgery to various periodicals; was associate in charge of the department of medicine of the Iowa Medical Journal for several years after its establishment; and is

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected.

J. ALEXANDER SMITH.

Prominent among the successful agriculturists of Clinton county is J. Alexander Smith, who now makes his home in DeWitt. He was born in Morgan county, Ohio, September 18, 1835, and is a worthy representative of one of the pioneer families of that state, being a grandson of John I. Smith,. who was one of the first settlers of Belmont county and later made his home in Morgan county.

Our subject's father, William Smith, was also a native of the Buckeye state, and spent his early life in Morgan county, where in the midst of the dense forest he cleared and improved a farm. He married Miss Sarah Beai, who was born in Harrison county, Ohio, and was a daughter of Asa Beal, also an early settler of that state, living first 111 Harrison and later in Morgan counties. She died in 1848 and he subsequently married again, and had children by both unions. He continued to reside in his native state until 1863, when he removed, to Clinton county, Iowa, and purchased a farm in DeWitt township, where he made his In mie for some years, but his last days were spent in the village of DeWitt, where he passed away July 14, 1899, at the ripe old age of eighty-six years. His second wife still survives him.

Mr. Smith, of this review, who is one of the children born of the first marriage, grew to manhood in the county of his nativity and acquired his education in its common schools. He remained with his father until twenty-two years of age, and was then married in Morgan county, November 13, 1856, to Miss Ursula Mummey, also a native of that county, and a daughter of Joshua Mummey, who was a soldier in the war of

1812. By this union were born two children: Lucetta C, wife of Charles Arthur, a. retired farmer of DeWitt; and George M., a business man and farmer residing in De- Witt. The latter is married and has one child living: Harold. Emery W. was accidentally killed May 31, 1901, by falling from a loaded wagon and the wheel passing over him. He was aged seven years and four months.

After his marriage Mr. Smith rented land in Morgan county, Ohio, and was engaged in farming there until June, 1863, when he came to Clinton county, Iowa. Here he also rented land for several years, but was at length able to purchase forty acres in DeWitt township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he at once turned his attention. He added to the original tract from time to time until he had a quarter section in the home place, which was pleasantly located about four miles from DeWitt. He built a pleasant residence, good barns and other outbuildings, and made many other improvements which added greatly to the value and attractive appearance of the farm. After living there for several years he bought an adjoining farm of one hundred and twenty acres, and subsequently sold his first farm and removed to DeWitt, where he owns a good home. Since then he has purchased another farm of one hundred and sixty acres two miles east of the village, and another of eighty acres, so that he now has three fine farms aggregating three hundred and sixty acres. All of this property has been acquired through his own well directed and energetic efforts, for he came to the county in limited circumstances and has received no outside aid from any source.

Mr. Smith has taken an active part in all that tends to upbuild or advance the interests of his town or county, and never withhold his support from any enterprise for the public good. He has been a stockholder, director and one of the officials of the Agricultural Society of Clinton county for several years; is now president of the Fair Association; and was one of the promoters of the Clinton, Jackson & Scott Mutual Insurance Company, of which he has been secretary for some years. Since casting his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont in 1856, he has supported every Republican candidate for that office, but at local elections cases his ballot for the best man regardless of party lines. He has been a delegate to both state and county conventions of his party, and has been a member of the township central committee. While living on the farm he served six consecutive years as assessor; also filled the office of township trustee; and has been a member of the school board many years, serving as secretary of the township board six years and treasurer for the same length of time. His public and private duties have always been most faithfully and conscientiously performed, and he is recognized as one of the most valued and useful citizens of his community. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is an earnest member, and gives to its support.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

ROBERT M. SMITH.

Thrift is the key which unlocks the portals of success and the treasures therein are won through perseverance and diligence. It is in this manner that Mr. Smith has gained prosperity, being to-day classed among the substantial and representative farmers of DeWitt township, his home being on section 21. Since the fall of 1863 he has resided here, and to-day owns four hundred and thirteen acres of fine land within two miles of the city of DeWitt. His birth occurred in Morgan county, Ohio, April 14, 1850, and he is the son of William Smith and a half-brother of J. Alexander Smith, also a well-known resident of Clinton county. The father was twice married, his second union being with Mary J. Hill, a native of Guernsey county, Ohio.

Robert M. Smith spent the first thirteen years of his life in the place of his nativity, and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Clinton county. He then remained upon the home farm throughout the period of his minority. His educational privileges were somewhat limited, but practical experience, observation and reading have made him a well-informed man. Through the summer months he assisted in the work of the fields and aided in harvesting the crops in the autumn. He was married on the farm where he resides, September 18, 1873. the lady of his choice being Miss Elizabeth C. Neville, a daughter of George W. and Anne E. Neville. Her father was a native of Maryland, whence he removed to Pennsylvania, and later he became one of the first settlers of Clinton county, taking up his above upon the farm where his daughter was born and reared. He became one of the substantial agriculturists of the community, and he and his wife both died on the old homestead. George W. Nevillemarried Anne E. McCorkle, who was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Samuel McCorkle.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Smith leased the Neville farm for a number of years, and after the death of Mrs. Neville purchased the interest of the other heirs and succeeded to the ownership of the place, which then comprised two hundred and forty acres. He has rebuilt the residence, improving the other buildings, and now has one of the most valuable farms of the neighborhood. He to-day owns four hundred and thirteen acres of rich land, and the highly cultivated fields return to him golden harvests. He also raises thoroughbred stock and his work in this direction is also profitable. In his farming operations he is assisted by his. younger son, Earl D., the older son, Elsworth X., is married and has one child, Edith Bernice. He too lives upon a portion of the home place.

Politically Mr. Smith has been a life long Republican, and his first ballot was cast for General Grant in 1872, since which time he has supported each presidential nominee of the party. While he has never been an aspirant for office, he served for six years as assessor of DeWitt township, and was secretary of the township school (board for a number of years. The cause education has ever found in him a warm friend, and he has labored to secure good schools and competent teachers, for he realizes the value of mental discipline as a preparation for the practical duties of life. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of DeWitt, and he has served as one of its officers, acting as trustee, while for several years he was superintendent of the Sunday-school. His Christian faith has shaped his career and has ande him a man of high character, many principle and spotless reputation. He and his wife are held in high regard, and wherever known enjoy the confidence and esteem of those with whom they are associated.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

GEORGE M. SMITH.

The problem of satisfactory insurance in farming CDninnmities and cities and towns is solved l)y mutual associations. These, if wisely managed, do away with the greater portion of the expense which attaches to the operations of the old-line companies, which are run entirely for profits and carry a force of high-salaried officers and.solicitors. The mutual companies are not run for profits, but only actual expenses of the organization are paid out of the annual premiums, and as such companies are usually nine cautious about risks, never over-insuring property or taking that heavily insured, they have solved the problem of protection for the people at minimum cost, the actual cost of such insurance often averaging less than one-half of that in old-line companies. At times a run of fires may seem to make the ])premiums and assessments seem heavy, but, taking the average for a length of time, it is found that any well-conducted mutual company operates a great saying to its patrons.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

Mr. Smith was married on Januaiy 25, 1893, to Charlotte Walker, of DeWitt, and has two sons living, Harold and Karl. She is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Smith is a Republican, and an Odd Fellow. He has been active in local politics and takes interest in all matters which concern the general welfare. He is a man who possesses much executive ability and business skill and whose enterprises have uniformly prospered. In his insurance company he has organized a society of much worth to his state. Personally he has gained many friends by his genial character.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

GEORGE CRAMPTON SMITH.

No business man in Clinton, Iowa, is regarded with higher favor than George Crampton Smith, who, while looking to his own interests, does not neglect to discharge his duties in fostering the upbuilding of the community in general, having, through a long life of strenuous and commendable endeavor, done as much if not more than any other man for the good of the city of Clinton, and as a result of his public-spirit, his integrity, industry and kindness he is held in highest esteem by all classes and is deserving of conspicuous mention on the pages of history, if for no other reason than because of his development of the Clinton Paper Company, one of the strongest and most prosperous houses of the kind in Iowa.

Mr. Smith was born in Lincolnshire, England, March 5, 1831, the son of William C. and IIary Smith. The father was a farmer in England and he came to America in 1852 and settled eight miles west of Clinton, Iowa, on eighty acres of land; here he established a very comfortable home and continued farming here until his death in 1895. Politically, he was a Republican and in religious matters an Episcopalian. He and Mary Smith were married in England in 1829. Her death occurred at an advanced age in

George C. Smith was educated in England and accompanied his parents to America in an old sailing-vessel, the \ osage requiring twenty-eight days. He purchased eighty acres alongside that of his father, but he never fanned this land. He followed stationary engineering for a period of forty years and was an expert in this line of endeavor. He is now nearly eighty years of age. but is still visiting the offices of the Clinton Paper Company, of which he is president and treasurer and with which he has been connected since about 1864. They are manufacturers and jobbers of.straw, rag and red express paper. It is to him that the city of Clinton owes its reputation for having one of the most successful and steadily operated paper mills in the United States.

Knowing something of the manufacture of paper and recognizing a great future for the Mississippi valley. Mr. Smith organized a company and erected a small paper mill on the site now occupied by the Clinton Paper Company mills at Nineteenth avenue and Fifth street. This company, with somewhere between ten and twenty stockholders, was incorporated in 1864, but the stockholders gradually\' dropped out until this company is what might be called an incorporated private institution, with George C. Smith as president and treasurer: Y. C. Smith, \-ice-president, and William M. Smith, secretary and manager, the latter gentleman having been the active daily director of this company's destiny for several years past. These mills have been rebuilt by the Smiths and newly equipped until the plant of today is one of the model paper manufacturing institutions of the country having a capacity of twenty thousand pounds daily and running to its full capacity night and day the year round. Probably no other paper mill in the United States runs so steadily, and it is equipped with the best of modern machinery, supplied with the best of raw materials — including pure water from its own artesian well — and operated by expert paper makers. The product is naturally of so high a class that the Clinton Paper Company experiences no trouble in placing it on the market, so that the mills are kept very busy to supply the demand. A few years ago, in addition to their immense warehouses at the mills, this company opened an up-town warehouse and in 1909 the company built one of the handsomest two-story and basement wholesale structures in the city, on Sixth avenue. It has a total floor space of twenty-one thousand square feet, and this is completely stocked with wrapping paper, bags, woodenware, galvanized ironware, butchers' supplies, specialties and cordage. Six men travel out of this house, covering Iowa and Illinois, in which states a very extensive trade is carried on. and this house is universally recognized as one of the largest and strongest houses financially in the state. Mail orders alone come to this firm rapidly enough to keep the mills busy to their full capacity all the time, and carload shipments go from them to all the principal cities of the western half of the United States, including Chicago, St. Louis. Kansas City, Minneapolis, Omaha, St. Joseph and many others. The Clinton Paper Company supplies by contract all the plants of Swift & Company and the Cudahy Packing Company west of Chicago and many of the smaller packers in the same territory, the Swift and Cudahy people alone requiring some two thousand tons of rag ham-wrapping paper annually. It is a noticeable fact that the trade papers pay many compliments to the solid, progressive and yet modest nature of the Clinton Paper Company's management.

During the past fifteen years, the period during which this company's jobbing business proper has been in operation, it has been systematically meeting the strongest competition from Chicago and all other competing points, and each year has grown stronger with the local and general trade, until today there is no house in the west more popular. It is probable that the people of Clinton do not fully appreciate this large and rapidly growing institution.

George C. Smith was married in 1862 to Cecelia Hosford, of Clinton, and her death occurred in 1864. In 1867 he was married to Sarah Carll, of Waterloo, where her fanu'ly have long been prominent. Seven children graced this union, six of whom are living, namely: Herbert is superintendent of the mills at Clinton: (georgia A. is the wife of F. Langford, of South America; Verne is superintendent of the local paper mills; Artemus lives in California: Lulu is the wife of O. E. Hill, of Clinton; William is secretary of the Clinton Paper Company. These children received excellent education ankl were gi\"en ex'cry chance.

George C. Smith is a Congregationalist and a member of the Independent Order of Odd P'fellows. He is a sociable gentleman and is held in the highest regard by all who know him. His achievements represent the results of honest endeavor along lines where mature judgment has opened the way. He possesses a weight of character, a native sagacity, a discriminating judgment and a fidelity of purpose that command the respect of all with whom he has been associated. He takes first rank among the prominent men of this locality and was long a leader in financial, business, education, social and civic affairs.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

COL. MILO SMITH.

ENO* AND have contributed in large measure to the welfare and prosperity of the communities in which they have been located, as well as to his individual success. His is an honorable record of a conscientious man, who by. his upright life has won the confidence of all with whom he has come in contact. For four score years he has traveled the journey of life, and although the snows of many winters have whitened his hair he has the vigor of a much younger man and in spirit and interest seems yet in his prime. Old age is not necessarily a synonym of weakness or inactivity. It need not suggest, as a matter of course, want of occupation or helplessness. There is an old age that is a benediction to all that comes in contact with it, that gives out of its rich stores of learning and experience and grows stronger intellectually as the years pass. Such is the life of Colonel Smith, an encouragement to his associates and an example well worthy of emulation to the young.

Milo Smith, now a resident of Clinton, was born in Shoreham township, Addison county, Vermont, January 25, 1819, a son of James Smith and a grandson of John Smith, who was a native of Massachusetts and a matter by trade. He fought in the Revolutionary war at Bunker Hill and in consideration of his services in the Avar for independence received the tract of land on which our subject was born. He also bought a large tract there, took up his above thereon, cleared the place and carried on agricultural pursuits. His death occurred when he was about eighty years of age. He married the daughter of a Revolutionary colonel, and her death occurred when she was ninety-two years of age. She was a pensioner of the government. They battle with the Indians in their pioneer home, and wild animals were a constant menace. All of their children with one exception reached the age of eighty-five years, namely: John, James and William, twins, Samuel, Josiah, Mrs. Betsey Callender, Mrs. Sarah Callender, Mrs. Polly Chipman, Mrs. Eunice Higley. James Smith, the father of our subject, and his brother William, obtained a grant of land and deed thereto in 1801, and later the father purchased the brother's interest, and made his home thereon throughout his remaining days. It now belongs to one of his nephews. The original house is still standing, being used as a wood-shed and cheese house. The second residence erected is a very fine one. James Smith married Sarah Cochran, of New Hampshire, and his death occurred at the age of eighty-five years, while his wife passed away at the age of eighty-six. Their children who reached mature years were: James, William, Joseph, Milo, and Eliza, the wife of Captain E. Esterbrook. The father of this family served in the Avar of 18 12, participating in the battle of Plattsburg.

Colonel Smith, of this review, was reared upon the home farm and attended the public schools, after which he entered Newton Academy, at Shoreham, Vermont. At the age of seventeen he began teaching, and three years later went to Rochester, New York. In 1840 he made his way westward to Chicago, Illinois, and through the three succeeding winters engaged in educational work in the schools of Belvidere, Illinois, while in the summer he engaged in the operation of a farm which he had purchased while serving as county surveyor. In 1848, when the first railroad enterprise was originated west of Chicago, he accepted the contract to make the survey and run the compass line on the old Elgin State Line Railroad, known as the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad. In 1852 he was appointed chief engineer and superintendent of the Elgin State Line Railroad. In 1855 ne came to Iowa and was made chief engineer and superintendent of the Chicago, Iowa & Nebraska Railroad, now the Chicago & Northwestern line. In this position his ability as a financier and his skill as an engineer were severely taxed, but stood the test splendidly. During the financial panic of 1855-6 Colonel Smith carried the company successfully through the financial crisis and to facilitate transportation and utilize the entire line already completed he built a bridge across the east half of the Mississippi river and at the same time constructed a boat transfer to convey loaded cars over the west half, thus enabling the road to continue its business with uninterrupted connection with the west. In 1852 he surveyed the Elgin State Line Railroad and completed it in 1855.

When Colonel Smith came to Clinton, in 1855, the city of Clinton did not exist and not an inhabitant was on the place and he saw the first shanty in which a meal could be served, erected in front of the present Milwaukee freight depot. He continued his work of railroad construction and has thus been largely instrumental in opening up the great section of the west for improvement, for the railroad is ever the vant courier of civilization. Through the next decade the country was aroused over the slavery question and the attitude of the south toward the Union. At length the war cloud burst, and in 1862 Mr. Smith was commissioned by Governor Kirkwood to take command of the T.went-sixth Iowa Infantry as colonel, and thus served until February, 1865. He was twice seriously wounded, but though his injuries were quite alarming his strong constitution enabled him soon to rally and again engage in active duty. His regiment formed a part of the First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, and continued in service until the close of the war. He was with General Sherman in his movements in and around Vicksburg and Atlanta and on the memorable march to the sea. For eight months he was in command of the First Brigade of the First Division of the Fifteenth Corps and his distinguished service won high encomiums from his brother officers and the government officials. He possessed superior military ability combined with marked modesty of character. He has been prominent and foremost in all civil enterprises and equally so in military undertakings, and he led his men in many a gallant charge and action, his own bravery inspiring them to deeds of valor. "He jes-ts at cars who never felt a wound," but to most people they are the badge of honor, the mark of courage, and those which Colonel Smith bears are certainly of this character.

Since the war the Colonel has been connected with furthering many railroad enterprises and has been an active factor in the upbuilding of Clinton, his adopted city. In his career he has manifested great energy, foresight and thoroughness of his ability to overcome obstacles is proverbial. From the moment that he becomes connected with an enterprise which before has been regarded as a chimera or at least of doubtful expediency, it takes on a practical guise, assumes the elements of good working conditions and other men then give it their support. The Colonel has always declined official preferment, although he could undoubtedly have won high honors in this regard had he so desired. He has preferred to faithfully perform his duties as a private citizen, aiding his country in other ways than through the avenue of office. Although he is now practically living retired in Clinton, he is yet financially interested in many enterprises. He has served as vice-president of the Clinton National Bank and is now a director of the City National Bank, also owns considerable property and a fine residence in Clinton, and at one time lie conducted the Revere Hotel, which he still owns.

In 1887 a commission of five men were appointed by the governor to take charge of the Soldiers' Home, then being constructed at Marshalltown, Iowa. These men, unbeknown to our subject, elected him superintendent, which position he filled for five years and then resigned.

Colonel Smith was first married, in 1847. when Miss Alary J. Dodge, of Shirley. Massachusetts, became his wife. They had one child, George YV. bile on their way west. in 1853, as passengers on the Atlantic, the steamer collided with the propeller, Ogdensburg, and was sunk, Mrs. Smith, their only child and Mrs. Smith's sister all being drowned. In 1854 the Colonel wedded Miss Dernis E. Oatman, of Geneva, New York, who died in 1868, and in 1869 he married Mrs. Charlotte Baker, who bore the maiden name of Charlotte Caruthers, and was the widow of Colonel James Baker, who was killed at Shiloh. She was a native of \ virginia. After her demise Colonel Smith married Mrs. Lucius Walker, nee Emeline Gardner, and by Mr. "Walker she had three children: Gardner, Lucius and Mrs. Alice Stone.

With the old army comrades the Colonel retains pleasant relations through his membership in General N. B. Baker Post, G. A. R., of which he served as the first commander and since that time has filled the office three times. He is emphatically a self-made man and in him is personified the genius and adaptability of America — elements that have led to the wonderful development of this land. Bold, progressive and successful in his undertakings, by his superior ability and indefatigable industry he has secured wealth and at the same time has maintained a high reputation for integrity and benevolence.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

Among the highly esteemed and honored citizens of Clinton is John Smith, who was the first engineer to run a train west of the Mississippi river on the old Chicago, Iowa & Nebraska Railroad, now the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, the name of his engine being the Clinton. This was in December, 1856. His railroad career was begun previous to this time in the east.

Mr. Smith was born in Middlebury, Vermont, July 5, 1830, and is a son of Adnah and Sophronia (Jones) Smith. The father was a native of Shoreham, that state, and was a blacksmith by trade, which occupation he followed in early life and later served as sheriff of Addison county. Vermont, for nine years. He died at the age of forty-four years, his wife at the age of seventy-six. They were the parents of four children, namely: Edwin, deceased; John, our subject; Charles, a resident of Denver, Colorado; and Sophronia, deceased.

John Smith was reared in the Green Mountain state and educated in its public schools. He was quite young when his father died, and at an early age began earning his own livelihood as a clerk. At the age of fifteen he found employment in Middlebury, Vermont, and later in Burlington, that state. Subsequently he worked as a journeyman in Xew York state for five years, and in 1854 went to Illinois, where he was employed as fireman on the Fox River Railroad running out of Elgin for seven months, and was then promoted to engineer, being given an engine of early make, known fust as the Galena and later as the Dundee. In [856 he came to Clinton to accept a position on the Chicago, Iowa & Nebraska Railroad. He was given a Manchester engine, which had been used for track work, being run by a master mechanic, Robert Huffman, for a few days. Our subject's first fireman was Thomas Davis, and his first regular run was from Clinton to De- Witt, making two trips a day, one with a passenger, the other with a freight train. He remained on the road, running on liferent lines until 1868, when, becoming tired of being on the road, he accepted the position of foreman of the round house at Clinton, which was a fine one for that day with twenty-five stalls, and remained in charge of the same until his retirement from active labor in 1892. Although he had many narrow escapes he was never injured during his entire railroad career, and is today a well-preserved man, finely built and appearing at least ten years younger than he really is.

In 1852 Mr. Smith wedded Miss Mary E. Latman, of Keeseville, Essex county, New York, who was born in Luzerne, Warren county, that state, and is a daughter of Ira and Besheba (Peacock) Latman. Her father was a large lumber dealer of Keeseville. Our subject and his wife have three children, namely: Laura Evelyn is now the wife of Nathaniel B. Patterson, one of Clinton's largest insurance and real estate dealers; Herbert, senior member of the firm of Smith & Oats, of Clinton, dealers in coal, cement, wood, etc., and agents for river steamers, married Minnie Fellows, and they have one child, Katherine Helen; and Charles Edwin is a traveling salesman for Curtis Brothers, of Clinteu.

On coming to Clinton Mr. Smith built a small frame house in which he and his family lived until he purchased his present fine residence on Fourth avenue, which was erected by John Vosburg. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Legion of Honor, and is held in the highest respect by all who know him.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

WILLIAM L. SMITH.

William L. Smith, who for twenty-three years has been in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company, was born in Boone county, Illinois, May 12, 1853. His father, Joseph C. Smith, was born in Addison county, Vermont, in 181 7, and was a farmer by occupation. On leaving the Green Mountain state, he took up his residence near Belvidere, Illinois, and there he entered land. LTpon the farm which he developed his sons were born. His wife, Polly P. Hememvay, was also born in the same county in Vermont in which his birth occurred, first opening her eyes to the light of day in 1824. She is now a resident of Bridgeport, Vermont. Both the father and mother of our subject are representatives of Puritan ancestry and their people were pioneers of Massachusetts. After residing in Illinois for some time, Joseph C. Smith returned to his old home in Vermont, where he educated his family and lived until his death, which occurred in 1897. Both he and his wife were members of. the Congregational church. They were the parents of ten children, of whom one son died in infancy, while Henry died at the age of two years; Milo at the age of four months; Marie Emily at the age of twenty-two years, and Eva P. when eight years of age. The others are, Frederick, who was formerly a preacher and is now in the employ of the railroad company, living in Chicago; Asa H., a truck gardener, and also an employe in a straw hat factory at Foxboro, Massachusetts; William L.; Stella A., wife of Edward Billings, of Addison county, Vermont; and Sarah B., wife of Charles Palmer, also of Addison county. The children were educated in an academy of that county and remained at home until they went to homes of their own. William L. Smith attended the common schools and also spent two years in the academy. At the age of seventeen he began working as a farm hand and for two years he engaged in collecting. In 1876 he came to Clinton, Iowa, where he has since made his home, voting for twenty years in the second ward of this city. In 1877 he began working for the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company on the drawbridge, and also ran the engine. He was watchman for one year and in 1879 he was made fireman, running: between Clinton and Belle Plaine. In March, 1886, he was promoted to engineer and is now running in the passenger service. He has never met with any accidents in which the blame was attached to himself.

Mr. Smith was married in 1880 in DeKalb, Illinois, to Ella A. Salesbury, who was born in Buffalo, New York, in June, 1855, and was educated in DeKalb. Her father was a speculator and a very prosperous man. Mr. and Mrs. Smith now have two daughters: Eva P. and Maud S., both at home, and graduates of the Clinton high school. Eva is also a graduate of the Clinton Business College and Maud is taking a course in music. Mr. Smith purchased the family home in 1887 and in 1899 rebuilt the house which is situated at No. 220 Seventh avenue. It is supplied with all modern equipments and is a very attractive residence. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church; and since 1887 he has been identified with Clinton Division No.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

Ithamer Smith, the subject of this sketch, was born in New York, June 12, 1824, and died June 12, 1901, at the age of seventy-seven years, a son of Claudius and Polly (Woodard) Smith. The father was a native of Massachusetts and was twice married, his first union being with a Miss Albaugh, a widow with two children, a half brother of our subject being Sadiuns, who is married and resides in Castleton, Vermont, and has four children. After the death of his first wife the father was married in New York to Polly Woodard, a native of the Empire state, and about 1858, he removed with his family to Illinois, locating in Argo, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1865, when he was eighty-six years of age. His wife passed away about 1871, at the age of eighty years. Their children were as follows: Mary, the widow of Pixley Smith, resides in North Dakota and has three children; William, who married Jane Cushman and after her death wedded Mrs. Cushman, resides in southern Illinois and has four children; Sarah is the wife of Edmond Philips, of Thompson, Illinois, and has three children; Warren, who married a Miss Dunn and after her death wedded her sister, is now living in Thompson, Illinois, and has two living children; Edmond makes his home in Argo, Illinois, and is married and has four children; and Eliza, also makes her home in Thompson, Illinois.

In the district schools of New York Ithamer Smith pursued his education until fourteen years of age when he began working in a lumber camp and was there employed until his marriage. On the 20th of September, 1848, in Warren county, New York, he wedded Caroline Deckler, who was born at Saratoga Springs, New York, September 20, 1828, a daughter of James and Cynthia (Gillette) Deckler, who were natives of the same state, and were there married. In 1858 they removed to Illinois, and the mother died in Fulton, that state, after which the father made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Smith. His death occurred about 1860. In his family were ten children, but Mrs. Smith is now the only one surviving. With her husband she came to the west, and for about a year and a half they resided in Argo, Illinois, after which they spent a year in Fulton City, returning thence to Argo, but when another year had passed they came to Iowa, making the journey across the country in a "prairie schooner" or covered wagon. They located in Bloomfield township, Clinton county, and Mr. Smith rented a farm, upon which he resided for seven years. Illness and unfortunate circumstances caused him to lose over six thousand dollars, but he possessed strong determination and resolute purpose, and in course of time regained

I IO what he had lost. He also continued to prosper, and purchased a farm of eighty acres on section fourteen, Bloomiield township, where he raised a high grade of cattle for market and also became an extensive breeder of hogs. He has improved his place with substantial and commodious buildings and has added all modern accessories and conveniences found upon a model farm of the twentieth century.

Unto Air. and Mrs. Smith were born four children: Jane, who married Silas Brown and resides in Bloomfield township; John J., whose sketch is given below; Emma, wife of George Lawrence, of Elizabeth, Illinois, by whom she has two children; and Hattie B., who married Adolphus Harrington, a carpenter and contractor of Delmar, Iowa. They have four children. Mr. Smith served as road supervisor, but never sought or held other office, preferring to give his attention to his business interests, in which he met with creditable success. In his political views he was a stalwart Republican and in religious faith a Methodist, shaping his life by his Christian belief, and thereby commanding the respect and confidence of all men.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JOHN J. SMITH.

Accounted one of the enterprising and progressive agriculturists of Clinton county, John J. Smith well deserves representation in this volume. He was born in York, Illinois, April 13, 1856, and is a son of Ithamer Smith, whose history precedes this record. Coming with his parents to Clinton county in his childhood, he attended the common schools of Bloomfield township, pursuing his studies until twenty years of age, when he put aside his text books, and gave his entire time to assisting his father in the work of the home farm. Practical experience well qualified him for his duties in the fields and made his labors profitable.

On the 4th of January, 1876, in Maquoketa, Iowa, Mr. Smith was joined in wedlock to Miss Eliza M. Dell, who was born in Canada September 17, 1857, a daughter of Sullivan and Elizabeth (Current) Dell, both of whom were natives of Canada. Their marriage was celebrated in the British province, and in 1868 they came to the United States, locating near Maquoketa, Jackson county, Iowa, where the father rented a farm which he cultivated for about eight years. He then removed his family to the town while he went to Nebraska, returning after a year. Fie was then engaged in the hotel business in Maquoketa for about two years, after which he operated a rented farm east of the city for three years. On the expiration of that period he removed h'is family to Maquoketa and he then went to the Black Hills, remaining for a year, after which he spent four years in Maquoketa. going thence to Delmar. He located upon Mr. Smith's fruit farm, which he is now managing. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dell have been born four children: Stella, who died at the age of seventeen years; Mrs. Smith; Freeman, a farmer of Maquoketa, who married Jewel Beaman and has one child; and Phebe, wife of Edward Nason, who is interested in mining in Denver, Colorado.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Smith has been blessed with one child, Nellie M., who was born in Bloomfield township, November 6, 1886. They have a pleasant home in the township and Mr. Smith devotes his energies to agricultural pursuits, which he follows along progressive lines, his labors returning to him good harvests which bring

8o him a comfortable income. He is a member of Monitor Lodge, No. 330, Free and Accepted Masons, of Delmar; Eastern Star Lodge, No. 210; the Camp of Modern Woodmen, No. 219; and the Camp of the Brotherhood of America, No. 119, all at Delmar. In his political views he is a Republican and has acceptably served as justice of the peace, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial. He has been school director and president of the school board and has labored earnestly to secure good schools and competent teachers. He holds membership with the Methodist church, was for two years one of its trustees and is now serving on that board. He supports in helpful manner the various movements which tend to benefit the community along material, social, intellectual and moral lines.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

For almost half a century this gentleman was prominently identified with the affairs of Orange township, his home being on section 29, and in his death the community realized that it had lost a valued and useful citizen. He was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, on the nth of August, 1837, and was a son of William Smith, a native of the same county, where he continued to make his home until after the birth of all his children. In 1851 he brought his family to Iowa and located in Orange township, Clinton county, where he and his sons all purchased land, making this their permanent home.

Our subject was fourteen years of age when he came with his father to this county, and during his minority he gave his father the benefit of his labors upon the farm. His education was obtained in the local schools. After arriving at mature years he worked for his father by the month for a few years. He was first married in 1861 to Miss Clementine Carr, and for some time they lived on the old home place, which he operated.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

About 1870 he bought the Purcell farm,- which he improved, and meeting with success in its cultivation he was able to add to it until he had three hundred and twenty acres of rich and arable land. He built a large and substantial residence, a good barn and other outbuildings, put up a wind pump, set out fruit and shade trees, and made many other improvements which added greatly to the value and attractive appearance of the place. Besides this farm, he owned an interest in the old homestead and other lands, being one of the most successful and prosperous farmers of his locality. He also engaged in stock raising with marked success.

Mr. Smith's first wife died June 3, 1874, leaving two sons: George B., a resident of Grand Mound; and Isaac Franklin, a farmer of Orange township. He was again married, in this county, September 23, 1875, ms second union being with Miss Amanda Jordan, who was born in Canada, and was reared and educated in Adrian, Michigan. Her father, Josiah Jordan, was a native of Vermont, and there married Catherine Miller, who was born in Canada. For a few years after their marriage they resided in the Dominion, and then moved to Lenawee county, Michigan, where the father owned and operated a farm for some years. In 1866 he came to Iowa and bought a farm in Orange township, Clinton county, where he spent his last years, dying here on the nth of August, 1878. His wife passed away in October, 1867. They were the parents of nine children, five sons and four daughters, all of whom reached manhood and womanhood, but only Mrs. Smith and tour brothers are now living. She was a young lady when she came to this county, and prior to her marriage successfully engaged in teaching school. By his second marriage our subject had three children: Lillian C, who is now a member of the junior class at Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa; Altha F. and William D., both at home.

Mr. Smith died on the 29th of March, 1899, and was buried in the Smith cemetery, Orange township, where a substantial monument now marks his last resting place. He was a life-long Democrat, and a stanch supporter of his party and its principles. As one of the most public-spirited and enterprising men of his township, he took an influential part in public affairs, and was called upon to fill the offices of road supervisor and township trustee, the duties of which positions he most capable discharged. Since her husband's death Mrs. Smith has. had charge of the farm and business affairs,, and has displayed excellent ability in her management of the same. She is a most estimable woman, and has a host of warm friends throughout the county.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JAMES A. SMITH.

During early manhood the subject of this sketch was actively engaged in mechanical pursuits, and having acquired a comfortable competence is now able to lay aside all business cares and spend the remainder of his life in ease and quiet at his pleasant home in DeWitt. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, April 10, 1846, and first came to this county in the summer of 185 1,

John Smith, the father of our subject, was a native of Donaghadee, County Down,. Ireland, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He was quite young when his parents died, and when only eleven years of age hid himself as a stowaway on a vessel bound for"

the new world, not being discovered for three days after leavingport. He landed at New York and later went to Boston, where he served a seven years' apprenticeship to the marble and stone cutter's trade, which he continued to follow throughout "his active business life. He was married in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Miss Minerva C. Swyler, who was born in that city of Scotch parentage. Subsequently he worked for several years in different cities, including Cincinnati, St. Louis, Nashville and Rock Island, and was employed on many larg-e and important buildings. In 1851 he came to DeYVitt. Iowa, and made a permanent location. Here he entered some land, which was operated by his sons, while he continued to work at his trade. He was a skilled mechanic and was very prominent in his line of work. He spent his last years in DeWitt, where he met death by accident in October, 1877. His wife still survives him at the age of seventy-hve years, and now makes her home in Jefferson, Iowa. He served three years in the war of the Rebellion as a member of Company IT, Twenty-sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and when hostilities ceased was honorably discharged.

James A. Smith was a lad of six years when he came with his parents to this county, and is indebted to the public schools of DeWitt for his educational privilege's. When not quite eighteen years of age he joined the boys in blue, enlisting October 5, 1864, in Company I, Tenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He joined his regiment at Kingston, Georgia, and went with Sherman on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas, taking part in the battle of Macon, the siege of Savannah, and the engagements at Columbia, South Carolina, and Bentonville, North Carolina, which was the last battle of the war and lasted three days. The rains during that time brought on lever and Mr. Smith was sent to the hospital at Goldsboro, being later transferred to a hospital in Troy, New York, where he remained about a month. On the 26th of A lay, 1865, he was honorably discharged and returned to the home farm in this county.

In July, 1866, Mr. Smith commenced learning the blacksmith's trade at DeWitt, and later worked as a journeyman for about twelve years in Kalamazoo, Detroit and Grand Rapids, Michigan; St. Louis, Missi >uri; and Chicago, Illinois, being at the last named place nearly eight years.

At DeWitt, Iowa, November 29, 1874, Mr. Smith married Miss Ellen A. Simpson, a daughter of George and Alary Jane (L'angle) Simpson, both natives of England. Her mother died when she was only three years old and she was adopted by William S. Teneyck, one of the early settlers of this county, having located here on coming west in 1849. He was born in the ATohawk valley, near Albany, New York, and on reaching manhood married Miss Susan A I. Wilson, also a native of Albany county.

Air. and Mrs. Smith began their married life in DeWitt, where he opened a shop and engaged in blacksmithing very successfully for almost a carter of a century, selling out his business in 1898, since which time he has lived retired. He purchased a residence, which he has since enlarged and remodeled and now has a nice home.

Mr. Smith cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864, but on national issues has since supported the Democracy, though at local elections he votes independent of party lines. While not a member of any religious organization, he and his wife attend the Congregational church and give to its support. Socially Mr. Smith is a prominent member of the Odd Fellows lodge of DeWitt, in which he has filled all the chairs and is now past grand. He has always taken an active part in its work and served one year as district deputy grand master. He is also a member of the Encampment of that order, and of the Grand Army Post at DeWitt, of which he was commander three terms. He has been a delegate to a number of state encampments, and to the national encampment at Washington, D. C.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.