Harry K. Smith

As printed in 1906

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 Biographical review of Henry County, Iowa, containing biographical and genealogical sketches of many of the prominent citizens of to-day and also of the past .. (1906). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.