The Smith Families of Woodbury County, Iowa

WILLIAM REMSEN SMITH, M. D.

Dr. William Bemsen Smith is numbered among the builders and promoters of Sioux City and the city classes him with its honored and distinguished dead. As a practitioner of medicine he was widely recognized for his skill and ability; as an agriculturist he was progressive and prosperous; as a public official he was most prompt and reliable in the discharge of the duties that devolved upon him; and yet while all of these qualities won for him the respect and confidence of his fellow men it was his great warm heart that gained for him the love and deep affection of all with whom he was associated and caused his memory to be revered and cherished throughout the city in which he made his home. "He was," said a friend of many years standing, "the sweetest-souled man destiny ever granted to a community."

Dr. Smith was born December 30, 1828, at Barncgat, New Jersey, and passed away at his home in Sioux City in 1894, his life record therefore covering nearly sixty-six years. He was only seven years of age at the time of his father's death, and his youth was largely a period of toil, although to some extent he attended the public schools near his home. He worked upon the farm through the summer months and was also employed in a harnessmaking shop until the removal of the family to Michigan. In that state he became identified

PAST AND PRESENT OF WOODBURI COl \TY 39]

with scl 1 work;.s a teacher, but ambitious to with the Republican party upon its organization enter another field of professional labor, he and was for years a recognized leader in its husbanded his financial resources until he was ranks in his adopted county and state. Eestood able to go to New York city and enter upon loyally as one of its defenders when to do so preparation for the practice of medicine. He means not partisanship, but the support of the attended three courses of lectures there and government and the Union cause. The first then returning to the east opened an office in military service which he rendered was in con Macon, where he remained until 1856, the nection with a local company of united rifleyear of his arrival in Si,,nx City, Iowa. He men who quelled the Indian uprising in 1861. found here a small town, of inconsequential Dr. Smith acted as first lieutenant at that time.

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In the meantime, three years after his arsential for the health of the "boys in blue." rival in Sioux City, Dr. Smith returned to I„ March, L863, Dr. Smith was chosen by Tecumseh, Michigan, and there, in 1859, was popular suffrage for the office of mayor of Sioux united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Osborne. City, ami two months later he was appointed He brought his bride to his new home and surgeon for the board of enrollment for this as the years passed by eight sons were adddistrict, serving until December, 1864. For ed to the household, hut six are now deceased, several years he was also examining surgeon for Those living are: R. II. Burton Smith, the pension bureau. Other governmental duties now a lawyer of Sioux City, and Milton Perwere assigned him when on the 15th of.Inly, ry Smith, of the Sioux City foundry. Mrs. 1865, he was appointed receiver of the United Smith spent three years at Cambridge, Massa- States hmd office and faithfully discharged its chusettts, while her son was pursuing a law important duties until the office was removed course in Harvard College. The family ivlato I )es Moines in 1878. It is said thai l he tion was largely an ideal one. it was hut business of the office in a single year amounted natural with a man of Dr. Smith- -real heart to a million dollars, in the year of his retirethat the home should he ever first to him. and ment from that office he was appointed honorary that he counted no personal sacrifice on his part commissioner from Eowa to the Paris Expositoo-rear if it would promote the welfare or tion ami his report as such was well received enhance the happiness of his wife and children, and found place in many new-papers and pe-

Dr. Smith also made for himself an excelriodicals, both in Europe and America. Tn lent reputation in public service as an official 1 ss i he was again elected mayor of Sioux City, whose first interest was the welfare of the peoami for fifteen years he was a member of the pie whom he served. Tie became identified school hoard. He ever exercised his official prerogatives for the benefit and upbuilding of the city, and as a private citizen was equally alert to the possibilities for advancement, growth and improvement here, being a cooperant factor in the great majority of movements for the general welfare. In 1885 he platted his home farm of eighty acres, on which he had lived for many years, making it one of the important additions to Sioux City. It is called Smith's Villa and is one of the most attractive residence portions of the city. In 1885 he became one of the organizers of Unity church, served as a member and president of its board of trustees, contributed generously to its support and labored effectively and untiringly for the extension of its influence until his death, which occurred on the ist of July, 1894.

Dr. Smith traveled extensively, both in his native country and foreign lands, thus gaining the broad knowledge and cosmopolitan culture which only travel can bring, but while he took great delight in visiting scenes of modern and historic interest and in meeting men of deep learning, his interest centered in his home city, the friends of his early and mature manhood and in his family. His sympathy, however, was as broad as the universe. Few men have so strongly exemplified in their daily lives a belief in the "brotherhood of man." He was never happier than when contributing to the welfare and happiness of others and his love went out in double measure to the children and to those whom fate or some untoward circumstance compelled to bear the heavier burdens of life. His wife shared with him in all his benevolent work and they were associated in establishing in Sioux City the beautiful park known as Smith's Villa Children's Park, although it was named Emmerton, in honor of their son. In recent years the ladies of Sioux City have undertaken the work of beautifying this park and in July, 1902, they erected there a beautiful fountain as a memorial to Dr. Smith. Its dedication was made the occasion for a memorable public celebration, participated in by the officials of the city, the pioneer settlers, prominent people of the community and not the least by the children for whose use the park had been established. On one side, the fountain bears the inscription: "By his friends. 'A man that hath friends must show himself friendly.' " Such a man was Dr. Smith. "He had," said an old friend, "the qualities essential to friendship — truthfulness, frankness, faithfulness and patience, a sympathy that entered into the joy, the sorrows and the interests of his friends. He delighted in their upward progress and stretched out a helping hand to those who fell by the way. Because of these qualities we remember and honor him."

G. W. Wakefield, in an address delivered at the dedication of the fountain, spoke of Dr. Smith's personal characteristics in the following manner: "He was a man of great culture and refinement, of tender sympathies and kindly words; his arm was ever extended to the poor and needy — his genial voice bore hospitable welcome in its every tone; his smile warmed the hearts of all who felt it with a summer glow, and wherever he went sunshine followed in his train. His monument, more enduring than marble, is erected in the hearts of his friends."

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

CHAKLES K. SMITH.

Charles K. Smith, deceased, whose life record is inseparably interwoven with the early history of Sioux City, took a very active part in the development and upbuilding of Woe 1- bury county and especially of the city during the early period of its progress. He was born in St. Johns, New York, February 12, 1835. His father, Moses M. Smith, married a Miss Clock and they resided in the Empire state. Their son Charles Avas educated in the schools of Gouverneur, NeAv York, and when nineteen years of age he entered upon his business career as a salesman in the employ of Elwanger & Barry, at Eochester, New York. The west, however, attracted him and in 1856 he made his way to Sioux City. He then went to Niobrara, Nebraska, and held the town site that winter. In the spring of 1857 he was appointed postmaster of Sioux City and occupied the first postoffice here, succeeding C. K. Cook. Hitherto the mail had been distributed from a store or place otherwise than a regular postoffice. Mr. Smith was also the first stage agent and first express agent and he had a stock of hardware and tinware. After his retirement from the postoffice on the close of President Buchanan's administration he engaged in the hardware trade. In 1870 he built the St. Elmo Hotel, which he conducted for three years and then sold out. He afterward engaged in farming for one year and then removed to Merrill, where he purchased grain for three years and conducted a general store. He next resided at Lemars, where he engaged in general merchandising for three years and on his return to Sioux City he began traveling for William T. Allen, of Chicago. Two years later he established a grocery store, which he conducted for two years and was then state oil inspector under Inspector Dunn. His next position was that of desk sergeant at the police station and he continued to act in that capacity up to the time of his death, which occurred February 22, 1901, when he was sixty-six years of age.

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Unitarian church and also the Masonic fraternity. He always gave his political allegiance to the Democratic party and he held some of the city offices, being called to positions of public trust by his fellow townsmen who recognized his deep interest in public affairs and his loyalty to the general good. He was mayor of Sioux City in the earlier days and has also been county treasurer. Everything that tertained to the advancement of community interests elicited his attention and usually received his stalwart support and co-operation. He was extremely familiar with the history of Sioux City from the days of its early growth down to the period of later progress and prosperity, and was justly numbered among its honored pioneer residents.

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

SAMUEL E. SMITH.

Samuel E. Smith, who formerly engaged in farming and more recently in the hotel and livery business, is now living a retired life in Moville, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. His business career, characterized by close application to his work, by enterprise and diligence, resulted in the acquirement of a comfortable competency.

Mr. Smith has spent his entire life in the Mississippi valley. He was born in Edgar county, Illinois, in 1840, a son of James Smith, a native of Tennessee, who on his removal to the north established his home in Edgar county, Illinois. Later he removed to Clark county, that state, and subsequently took up his above in Arkansas, where his remaining days were passed, his death there occurring in 1873, when he was sixty years of age. His wife, who was of Welsh descent, survived him several years and died in Moville at the age of seventy-eight. She was the mother of five children and with one exception all are vet living.

When a lad of nine years Samuel E. Smith accompanied his parents on their removal to

('lark county, Illinois, where he was reared to manhood upon the home farm and there made his home until thirty-two years of age. He early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist and for ten or twelve years he carried on agricultural pursuits on his own account in ('lark county, Illinois. In 1876 he came to Woodbury county and settled a mile and a half south of Moville, where he engaged in farming on six hundred acres of land for which he traded his property in Illinois. This was largely wild and unimproved but he at once began its cultivation and development and soon transformed it into rich and productive fields. At that time there were but eight voters living in the village of Moville. He built a good house upon his farm and also substantial outbuildings, carried on general farming and stock-raising and prospered in both branches of his business, becoming one of the successful men of his township. He afterward left the farm to engage in the livery and hotel business in Moville. The hotel was called the Fargo and he conducted it until about a year ago, when he retired from business life and has since occupied a comfortable home in the village, enjoying rest from further labor. He was the owner of the first new thresher in his township and was always progressive in his farm methods and in his hotel business, putting forth effective effort to please his patrons and thus winning favor with the traveling public.

While residing in Illinois Mr. Smith was a very strong Democrat and he frequently attended the public meetings which were addressed by Lincoln and by Douglas. After coming to this county he carried the first mail from Sioux City to Moville and he has always been interested in public progress and improvement here.

Mr. Smith was married in Illinois in January, 1SG2, to Miss Margaret A. Goss, a native of Edgar county, Illinois, and of English ancestry. They have ten living children and two have passed away. The family is well known

!NT OF WOO in Movffle and Woodbury coun have resided for inure than a qi fury and Mr.

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

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Mary Ann Smith, who were nativeof Center comity, that state. By trade the father was a cooper, but he also owned and operated a farm. Our subject was reared amid rural scenes with no educational advantages during his boyhood, though he has become a well informed man since his marriage. On leaving his native state he removed to Wisconsin, where he spent one year, and then became a resident of Franklin county, Iowa, whence he removed to Woodbury county, locating upon his present farm twenty-two years ago. Here he has eighty acres, for which he paid twenty-five dollars per acre and at present it is all under cultivation with the exception of twenty-five acres. He is quite extensively engaged in bee culture and has a fine apiary, selling his honey for twelve and a half cents per pound in the comb. He also acts as agent for G. B. Lewis & Company, manufacturers of bee supplies, and during the early months of 1904 sold over four hundred dollars worth of supplies for the company.

On the 28th of April, 1852, Mr. Smith married Miss Eliza Jane Long, who is also a native of Cranberry township, Venango county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Albert Long. The following children have blessed this union: Sherman, born April 12, 1853, is married and lives in Anthon, Iowa. He has five children. Orrin G., born March 12, 1856, is at home with his parents. Zelma T., born August 20, 1858, is the wife of A. J. Robinson, of Woodbury county, and has four children. Lydia, who is now the wife of Jack Cameron, living south of Danbury, has one child, Walter; Elsie; Charlie and Orie.

On attaining his majority Mr. Smith became identified with the Whig party and since its dissolution has been an ardent Republican. On account of deafness he has never occupied any political office or done jury duty. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, though his parents were Cumberland Presbyterians in religious belief. He has a nice little home near Danbury, overlooking the valley, and there be and his wife are spending their declining years in peace and comfort, honored and respected by all who know them.

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

REV. RALPH P. SMITH.

Rev. Ralph Parsons Smith, rector of St. Thomas church (Episcopal) at Sioux City, was born in Granville, Licking county, Ohio, July 10, 1868. His paternal grandfather, David Smith, came from Yorkshire, England, to America in early life, and Charles B. Smith, father of Rev. R. P. Smith, was born in New York city. He became an attorney at law and practiced his profession until 1863, when, responding to his country's call for aid, he enlisted at Springfield, Illinois, for service in the Union Army, becoming a member and second lieutenant of the Sixty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He won promotion from time to time and when mustered out was serving with the rank of colonel. He was captured while serving on detail duty after the battle of Vicksburg and was sent to Andersonville, where he remained until exchanged. He died in September, 1874, at the age of thirty-five years. He adhered to the faith of the Church of England, to which his ancestors had belonged, and his wife was also a member of the Episcopal church. She bore the maiden name of Caroline Parsons and was a descendant of one of the passengers on the Mayflower. Her father, Ralph Parsons, was a merchant and married Laura Case. There was but one child born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Ralph Parsons. Ten years after the death of her first husband Mrs. Smith became the wife of Benjamin F. Thomas, head professor of physics in the Ohio State University, and by that union there were three children.

In early boyhood Rev. R. P. Smith attended a private school in Granville, Ohio, continued his studies in the academy there, of which he is a graduate, and afterward entered Denison University, in which he was graduated on the completion of a classical course in iSSS. He spent a year in the engineering service of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company in Washington and afterward became connected with the Associated Press, acting as correspondent in the house of representatives at Columbus, Ohio. He then turned his attention to educational work as assistant superintendent of a Young Ladies' Academy at St. Joseph, Missouri, where he remained for two years, after which he taught in the Morgan Park Academy, at Chicago, Illinois, for a year. At the same time he studied for the ministry in the University of Chicago. In that city he founded the South Side Academy, which he conducted for three years, teaching dead languages and natural sciences. At the same time he pursued post-graduate work in the University of Chicago.

In 1894 Rev. Smith went abroad, spending a year in Europe, during which time he was largely engaged in study in Leipsic and other centers of learning. While there he was offered an assistant professorship in German in the University of Illinois, at Champaign, and accepting this served in that capacity for three years. Mr. Smith was pursuing his studies with the intention of entering the medical profession or the ministry, and deciding upon the latter he was confirmed by Bishop Vincent in 1897 and became a candidate for holy orders. He entered the Episcopal Theological School at Cambridge, Massachusetts, and was graduated in 1898. He took his canonical degrees at Columbus, Ohio, and was ordained to the priesthood in St.

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