The Smith Families of Henry County, Iowa

CHARLES ALVORD SMITH.

Charles Alvord Smith, who since 1852 has resided upon the farm in Wayne township which is still his place of residence, having entered the land from the government when it was a raw and unbroken tract, has now attained the venerable age of seventy-eight years and receives the respect that should ever be accorded one who has advanced far on life's journey and whose life has at all times been honorable and straightforward. His birth occurred in Lake county, Ohio, on February 29, 1828. His paternal grandfather, Sylvester Smith, was born in New England and the father, Sylvester Smith, Jr., was a native of Massachusetts, as was his wife, who bore the maiden name of Lucretia Woodworth. She was a daughter of James Woodworth, also a native of New England. The marriage of the parents of our subject was celebrated in the old Bay state but soon afterward they left Massachusetts for Lake county, Ohio, where the father owned and operated a farm, residing there until 1839. He then journeyed by wagon to Wellsville, where he took passage on an Ohio river boat and went down the Ohio and up the Mississippi river and on to Oquawka, Ihinois. From that point he proceeded to Monmouth, IHinois, where he rented a farm, residing thereon until 1842, which year witnessed his arrival in Wayne township, Henry county, Iowa. Here he bought wild prairie land in the northern part of the township about a mile from the Washington county line. He located about a mile from timber at a day when the settlers supposed that the prairie would largely be worthless, the claims being first made in the timber regions. He secured eighty acres of land and at once began converting it into a productive farm, thereon making his home up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1864, when he was seventy-six years of age. His wife lived to be more than eighty years of age and was called to her final rest about 1870.

Charles Alvord Smith began his education in the public schools of Ohio, continued his studies to some extent in Illinois and afterward became a student in Iowa. In the intervals of attending school he worked in the fields and early became familiar with the best methods of caring for the crops. He continued at home until twenty-four years of age, when he removed to a farm of eighty Company G, Eleventh Iowa Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged, on the 2nd of June, 1865. He was captured on the 27th of July, 1864, and was confined in Andersonville prison for six weeks, after which he was transferred to Florence, South Carolina, where he was held as a prisoner of war for about four months. His bravery and loyalty were above question, for he was ever prompt and faithful in the duties assigned him and he participated in many hotly contested engagements. When the war was over he returned to his home and his attention has since been given to farming. On the 19th of August, 1852, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Young, who was born in the acres on section 10, Wayne township. This was government land wliich he purchased at a dollar and a quarter per acre. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made on the place, but the breaking plow was soon at work and within a short space of time fields of wheat and corn showed that the efforts of the agriculturists were being crowned with success. He has added to his place as his financial resources have increased until he now owns a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in one body. He has put all of the improvements upon the property, building a good house in 1852. That building was afterward destroyed by fire and was replaced by his present residence. Mr. Smith continued the active work of the farm until August zy, 1862, when he put aside all business and personal considerations and responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting in southern part of Ohio, a daughter of Patrick Young, a native of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Smith became the parents of five children: Alice, the wife of August Lundquist; Alva died at the age of about fourteen years; Irene A., the wife of William Lambling; Charles L., who lives in Sioux City, Iowa: and Arthur G., who is a professor in the Iowa State ini-

6o4 versity. The wife and mother died in January, 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had traveled Hfe's journey together for more than forty years and many pleasures as well as sorrows had entered into their married life and although there were hardships there was also prosperity to lighten these. In community interests Mr. Smith has ever taken a deep and helpful part and has co-operated in many movements that have resulted beneficially to the township and county. He votes with the Republican party, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day and for many years he was township clerk. He has long been a devoted member of the Congregational church and his service as deacon has covered an extended period. He is today one of thy honored pioneer settlers of the county, having witnessed almost its entire growth and progress and has contributed in substantial measure to its agricultural development.

The death of Mr. Smith occurred at the home on the 17th of Xovember. 1905.

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

Sylvester Smith, deceased, who carried on general farming in Wayne township, was born March 7, 1831, in Lake county, Ohio, near Cleveland. His paternal grandfather was Edward Smith, a native of Xew England. The father, Sylvester Smith, was born in Massachusetts and married Lucretia Woodworth, a native of Franklin county, Massachusetts, and a daughter of James and Lucretia Woodworth, who were also natives of New England. The wedding was celebrated in the old Bay state and subsequently ]Mr. and Mrs. Smith removed to Warren county, Xew York, and afterward to Lake county, Ohio, where Mr. Smith purchased a tract of land, all of which was covered with timber. This he cleared away, transforming the tract into a good farm. On leaving Ohio he removed to Michigan, where he spent eighteen months, but returned to the former state. After a short period, however, he made his way to Monmouth, Illinois, where he engaged in farming for three years. In 1842 he brought his family to Iowa, having visited the state the previous year and purchased land on section 3, Wayne township. This was all wild and unimproved[ and he lived upon the place until his death, converting it into a valuable farm. He paid for it only three dollars per acre but at the time of his demise it was valued at a high price. In addition to this property he also owned forty acres of timber land. His birth occurred May 25, 1787, and his death on the 21st of December, 1863, when he was seventy-seven years of age. His wife w'as born March 13, 1793, and died on the 12th of October, 1875. They were married January 13, 1813, and unto them were born nine children, of whom two daughters died in infancy. The others were: Eliza Ann, who was born January 18, 1816, and died July 29, 1836; Dexter Church, who was born March 16, 1818, and died February 22, 1887; Edward, who was born June 10, 1820, and died February 26, 1882; John Livingston, who was born May 21, 1822, and died April 15, 1889; Elijah Parsons, who was born January 29, 1825. and died February 11, 1899; and Charles Alvord, who was born February 29, 1828, and died November 17, 1905. The father was instrumental in establishing the postoffice at Wayne in 185 1 and received the appointment to the position of postmaster in August, of the same year, at which time mail service was established between Iowa City and New London. The round trip was made once a week.

Sylvester Smith, whose name introduces this review, accompanied his parents on their various removals, being a youth of about eleven years when the family came to Iowa. He was reared to farm life, assisting in the arduous task of developing and cultivating new land. hen his father resigned as postmaster

Mr. Smith was commissioned on the loth of November, 1858, his papers being signed by Aaron V. Brown, then postmaster general. He held the appointment until July, 1885, when his son, H. K. Smith, became his successor.

On the 18th of February, 1857, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Delilah J. Coen, who was born in Washington county, Ohio, and attended the common schools of that state. Her parents were William and Rachel (Perry) Coen, the former a native of Wheeler county, Virginia, and the latter of Washington county, Ohio. The paternal grand parents, Isaac and Susan Coen, were also natives of Virginia, while the maternal grandparents were John and Delilah (Stephens) Perry, natives of Ohio. Mrs. Smith came to Henry county, October 5) 1855 and they were married here. She made the trip down the Ohio and up the Mississippi river to Burlington, being three weeks upon the way and throughout all the years of her married life she has lived upon the farm which is still her home, and here Mr. Smith resided since 1842. They became the parents of five children. Charles Sumner, born February 2, 1858, is now living in Mount Pleasant. Harry Kirk, born May 27, 1860, is engaged in the implement business at Mount Pleasant. William Edgar, born July 5, 1862, died in 1881, at the age of nineteen years. Francis Irving, bom September 19, 1865. died in 1888, at the age of twenty-three years. Rosa Justina, born October 19, 1870, is the wife of Christopher Berry and they reside upon the old homestead.

For almost a half century Mr. and

Mrs. Smith traveled life's journey together and their entire married life was passed upon the farm which is still the place of residence of his widow. He lived in the county for sixty-three years and was therefore a witness of almost its entire growth, while in the work of improvement and development he bore an active and helpful part. He was ever a champion of movements for the general good and stood for a high type of citizenship, for honor in business life, and for integrity in all man's relations with his fellow men. Mr. Smith died at the home place, February 8, 1904.

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

HARRY K. SMITH.

Harry K. Smith, a well known and active representative of commercial interests in Mount Pleasant, where he is now engaged in dealing in agricultural implements and chicles, was born in Wayne township, this county, May 2/, 1860, his parents being Sylvester and Delilah Jane (Conn) Smith. He acquired his early education in the common schools of \A'ayne township and was upon the home farm until twenty-five years of age, when he married Miss Margaret Ann McKee, of washington county, Iowa, the wedding being celebrated on the 12th of February, 1884.

The young couple began their domestic life on a farm in Wayne township, where Mr. Smith carried on general agricultural pursuits for two years. On the expiration of that period he purchased a store at \A'ayne and engaged in general merchandising for three years. He also became postmaster under the Harrison administration and thus the position of postmaster was filled successively by the grandfather, father and grandson. He conducted a successful mercantile enterprise there but eventually sold out and bought the grain and lumber business at Olds, building an elevator there. He was first in partnership as a member of the firm of Peterson & Smith and when Mr. Peterson disposed of his interests the firm became Smith & Lamme, an association that was maintained for many years. The firm did an excellent business for a number of years and then sold out after wliich they came to Mount Pleasant and bought the Leedham & Baugh lumber and planing mill. This was the only planing and house finishing mill in the city and in connection with dealing in lumber they conducted an extensive and profitable business which they carried on until January. 1904. At that date they disposed of their lumber yard and mill but still as the firm of Smith & Lamme purchased an established agricultural implement business. The partnership was maintained until the spring of 1905. when Mr. Smith purchased Mr. Lamme's interest and is now in business alone. He conducts the only enterprise of the kind in Mount Pleasant and has a large wareroom on South Jefferson street for storing agricultural implements and vehicles. His trade is now large and the business is bringing to him a very gratifying financial return.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born tW'O daughters and two sons: Ethel, Ora S. and Ira J., twins, and Delilah M. The parents were members of the Congregational church at Olds and Mr. Smith was its treasurer. Since their removal to Mount Pleasant he has become a trustee of the church here. He has built a home on Poplar street, a fine residence which he and his family now occupy and where the true spirit of hospitality and good cheer reign supreme. He has been active in republican politics and has been a member of the Central Executive Committee. In 1904 he was elected without opposition to the office of county supervisor and is proving" a capable officer. The heavy flood in the spring of 1905 made much extra work for the board. Mr. Smith has always been loyal in citizenship, co-operating in many measures for the general good and his aid can be always counted upon where the general welfare is concerned. His life has been active, his actions many and sincere and he is justly classed with the most honorable and prosperous business men of Mount Pleasant.

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

JOHN P. SMITH, a farmer of Henry County, residing on section 16, Centre Township, was born near Elizabeth City, N. C., April 11, 1818, and is of English and Welsh descent. He is a son of Samuel and Lydia (Pritchard) Smith, both of whom were natives of North Carolina. They were the parents of two children, one of whom is living, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Smith was previously married to Gresham Overton, and by this union there were two children, both of whom are now dead. Of all this family Mr. Smith is the only one left to record their history. John was a boy when his parents died and was bound out to John Gregery, a painter, but not liking this he ran away, and resolved to earn his own living. In 1838 he was married to Miss Julia Kenyon, a native of North Carolina, born in 1812. In 1843 they emigrated to Hemy County, Ind., and in 1 849 came to Henry County, Iowa. They made the journey with teams, camping out at night, and located on land in Jackson Township. In 1830 he purchased his present farm of forty acres in Center Township, situated a mile and a half south of Mt. Pleasant. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Smith has been blessed with six children: Thomas J. enlisted in Company K, 19th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Sterling Farm, in Louisiana, Sept. 29, 18C3; William L. also enlisted in Company K, 19th Iowa 'volunteer Infantry, and participated in the following battles: That of Ft. Morgan, Jliller's Ford, Brownsville, Tex., siege of the Spanish Fort and the battle of Mobile. He served thirty months and was always found at his post of duty. James M. of Ft. Madison, Iowa, also served in the same regiment. The other three died in infancy.

Mrs. Smith departed this life in 1863. She was a sincere Christian, being a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a kind wife and mother. In the fall of 1863 Mr. Smith was again married, to Elizabeth J Booth, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Booth, who died in Guernsey County, Ohio. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. By this last union there were live children: Rose E., who died Aug. 13, 1886; Bertram E., Jesse B., Joseph H. and Minnie E. Politically, Mr. Smith is a Republican, but before the organization of that party he was a Whig. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are greatly respected throughout the community. Mr. Smith has lived in Henry County since 1849, and lias witnessed the changes that have transformed it from a wild, uninhabited region, to one of the most cultivated counties in the State.

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

VILLIAM SMITH, born Oct. 5, 1833, is a native of Beaver County, Pa. He resides on section 20, Trenton Township, where he owns a fine farm of eighty acres. AVhen but a lad of twelve years he emigrated with his parents, Robert and Nancy (Bryarly) Smith, natives of Pennsylvania, to Indiana. In that State William was reared on a farm and received his education at the district schools. He came to this county in the fall of 18.55 with his parents, who subsequently removed to Decatur County, where they both died. The father departed this life in August, 1877, and the mother in August, 1885. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a Republican, always taking a lively interest in political affairs. They reared a family of eight children: Sarah S., wife of John Jones, now resides in Decatur County, Iowa; Jane M., widow of John

Bouse, now living in Tipton County, Ind.; AVill- 1

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

William Smith, our subject, went with his parents to Decatur County Iowa, in the spring of 1856; remaining but a short time, he returned to Henry County, engaging as a farm hand, then renting farms until October, 1861, when he responded to his country's call for troops. He enlisted in Company D, 4th Iowa Cavalry, and served until Aug. 9, 1864, as Corporal. His eyes became sore and he suffered from other disabilities, from the effects of which diseases he has never fully recover'ed. After his discharge he returned to Henry County, and was united in marriage, in February, 1865, with Rhoda Ann Messer, a native of Henry County, and a daughter of Hiram Messer. He made his home upon a rented farm on section 20, Trenton Township, until 1873, when he made a home on a farm of eighty acres which he had previously bought, and has developed a good farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the parents of two children— W. G. and E. M. His first wife died April 14, 1870, and ho was.again married in 1873, to Margaret Messer, a sister of his former wife, and by their union eight children have been born — William Sherman, Robert Hiram, John Miller, Ann Eliza, Rosa Blanche, Maggie Luella, Nancy Adeline and.james Harlan. Mr. Smith has held the office of Township Trustee for six years. Politically he is Republican. He is one of the stanch supporters of the party, and takes great interest in all political affairs. Mr. Smith commenced life a poor boy, and has made his own way in the world without.a.assistance.

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

PETER SMITH, a stock-raiser and farmer residing on section 28, Marion Township, was born July 12, 1830, in Switzerland County, Ind., and is a son of Abraham and Eleanor (VanDorin) Smith, the former a native of North Carolina, born May 19, 1794, and the latter Aug. 10, 18<i0, in Pennsylvania. They have had a family of twelve children: John, who died in 1836; William and Sarah died in infancy; Jabez, a plasterer and brick-layer of Mllisca, Iowa; Mary A., widow of Abram Osborne, now a resident of Omaha, Neb.; Cheney, a farmer in Crawford County, Kan.; Peter, the subject of this sketch, is the seventh child; Marcus K., a farmer in Jefferson County, Iowa; James, a resident of Omaha, Neb.; Nancy L., deceased wife of Walter F. Crew, a resident of Maukato, Jewell Co., Kan.: Hiram, a farmer in Jefferson County, Iiiwa; llucbe C, wife of Rufus -

Yan Tassal, a farmer in Jewell County, Kan. Mrs. Smith went to Switzerland County, Ind., in 1804, and Mr. Smith in 1811. Here they became acquainted and friendship ripened into love, and the marriage was celebrated in 181.5. They remained in Switzerland County, Ind., until 1833, and here their seven oldest children were born. In that year they emigrated to Hancock County, Ind., at which place the five youngest children were born. Mr. and Mrs. Smith made Hancock County their home until 1849, when they came to Henry County, Iowa, locating near Rome. Here he bought 120 acres of raw land and developed a fine farm, residing here until his death in.Iuly% 1871. Mrs. Smith died Aug. 3, 1875. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at the time of their death, but had foi'nierly belonged to the Baptist Church before coming to Iowa. They were devoted members of the society, and no couple in the county were more highly- esteemed than they were.

The earlier years of our suljject were spent in attending the common schools in the State of Indiana and doing his part of the farm work. Born upon a farm, the greater part of his life has been spent in the peaceful avocation of a farmer. He remained with his parents until 1853, when he made the overland trip to California, where he remained but a short time, then went to Oregon, and for two years was there engaged in farming. Returning to California, for about fourteen months he engaged in mining, and then went to freighting in Californi; Oregon, Idaho and Washington Territory, but l.-itcr engaged in stock-raising in Oregon, and for a time in merchandising. He was very successful in the far West, remaining there until 18C8, when he returned to Henry County and purchased eighty acres of land, a portion of the farm on wliicli lie now resides. In 1883 he bought ninety acres more, making 170 aci'es, which is now under a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Smith is a successful stock-raiser, his stock consisting principally of fine I'land China hogs and Durham cattle.

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

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

GEORGE E. SMITH, AI. D.

Dr. George E. Smith, practicing along modern, scientific lines in Mount Pleasant, was born in Elmwood, Peoria county, Illinois. October 14, 1853, his parents being William A. and Mary R. (Bevans) Smith. The father was a farmer there and at an early day removed from Ohio to Elmwood, where he remained until he came with his family to Mount Pleasant. Here he lived retired until his death, which occurred in 1877. His political allegiance was given to the Republican party, and he and his wife were members of the Baptist church. The latter passed away in 1883.

Supplementing his common school education by study in Howe's Academy, Dr. Smith was thus prepared for a collegiate course which he pursued in the Iowa Wesleyan University. His more specifically literary education being completed, he began preparation for a practice of medicine and surgery as a student in the office of Dr. Marsh, a prominent physician, who directed his reading until he entered Hahneman Medical College, at Chicago. Completing the full course in that institution he was graduated in the class of 1880 and returning to Mount Pleasant opened an office for practice.

Here he has since remained and his professional career has been characterized by consecutive progress until he stands today as one of the most prominent and successful members of the medical fraternity in this part of the state. He has a splendidly equipped suite of rooms constituting model offices in his own block on North Main street. The reception room is eighteen by ninety feet. There is also a private office, an X-ray room, a microscopic room and all of the latest improvements, and facilities and equipments known to medical and surgical science. Dr. Smith belongs to the State Homeopathic Medical Society and through continued reading keeps in touch with the advanced thought of the profession. While never entirely discarding the old and time-tried practices, the value of which has been proven, he nevertheless readily takes up new ideas that promise to be of practical use in his professional service. No other line of life displays such marked progress as does the profession of medicine, owing to the continued research, experiment and inventions that have been made, and Dr. Smith in his practice employs all the latest devices which prove an effective force in the alleviation of suffering and the restoration of health. He has built in Mount Pleasant a fine, double business block on North Main street, which is used for store and office purposes.

In 1893 Dr. Smith was married to Miss Theresa Jones, of this city, and they have two children, Georgia, and Marcus. Fraternally the Doctor is connected with Mount Pleasant Lodge, No. 8. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and chapter

No. 8, Royal Arch Masons, Jerusalem Commandery, No. 7. Knights Templar, and El Kahir Temple of the Mystic Shrine, at Cedar Rapids. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he votes with the Republican party, but has never been an aspirant for office. For many years a resident of Mount Pleasant, he is respected for his high standard of professional ethics and of citizenship, as well as for a genial, courteous manner that makes him popular with a large circle of friends.

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