Albert A. Smith

As printed in 1914

ALBERT A. SMITH.

Albert A. Smith operates four hundred acres of fine land located on sections 28, 29, 32 and 33, Madison township. He carries on general farming but pays special attention to the raising of cattle. He breeds high grade black Polled Angus, the heads of the herd being all registered animals. He was born in madison township on the 12th of April, 1859, a son of Lemuel Holly and Mary (Colby) Smith. The former was born in Rutledge, Vermont. July 29, 1823, and in 1839, when a youth of sixteen years, went to McHenry county, Illinois. He subsequently purchased land there and farmer in that state for a number of years. During this period, or in 1849, he took an overland trip to the gold fields of California, where he remained for less than one year. Returning to McHenry county, Illinois, he resumed his farming operations. His marriage occurred there, but in 1854 he brought his family to Madison township, Buchanan county, Iowa. He entered some land from the government and bought other tracts until he was the owner of one thousand four hundred acres, part of which was in Buffalo township. He supervised the operation of his land until his death, which occurred in September, 1902. His wife was also a native of Rutledge, Aermont, born May 22, 1826, and her death occurred in March, 1904. Eight children were born to them, namely: Montraville, who makes his home in Kansas; Nellie, now the wife of William Andrews, of North Dakota; Olive, who married R. M. Jenks and is now deceased; Herbert, who resides in tile state of AVashington; Carrie E.. who is the widow of C. E. Todd and resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Albert A.; Mary, who died in childhood; and Mary, the second of the name, who lives in Minneapolis. The four oldest children were born in Illinois and the younger ones in this state.

Albert A. Smith received his elementary education in the country schools and supplemented the knowledge thus acquired by two terms of study in Fayette College. He remained at home until he attained his majority. Early in life he began assisting his father with the work of the farm and when it became necessary for him to decide upon a life occupation he determined to devote his time and energy to agriculture. He now owns four hundred acres of land and is successfully carrying on mixed farming. He takes a great interest in the raising of high grade cattle and ships many head annually to Chicago. He breeds black Polled Angus cattle and, as the animals at the head of his herd are all registered, his stock is of high grade. He is considered one of the well-to-do and progressive agriculturists and stockmen of the county and his assets are steadily increasing.

On the 9th of September, 1883, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Amy A. Garland, a daughter of William and Elsie (Dykeman) Garland. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born two sons. Carroll G., whose birth occurred on the 3d of August, 1888, operates part of his father's farm. He is a graduate of the Lamont high school and married Miss Edith Hauser. Albert Putnam, who was born November 19, 1889, lives at home. The family are consistent members of the Metliodist Episcopal church.

Mr. Smith is a democrat and is one of the leaders in political circles of this county. He has often been a delegate to the county conventions of his party and is serving his fifth year as one of the board of trustees of Madison township. In his early manhood he held that office for twelve consecutive years. He has been vice president of the Lamont Savings Bank for the last four years and in that connection has manifested the same sound judgment that has characterized his management of his private affairs. He is a man of strict integrity in his dealings with his fellowmen.

As printed in History of Buchanan County, Iowa, and its people (1914). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.