Amanda Smith

As printed in 1901

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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 Biographical record of Clinton County, Iowa .. (1901). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.