In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1846, Lawrence county
From History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time (1911)
JAMES P. SMITH
James P. Smith is numbered among the substantial farmers of Boulder township, where he owns a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located on section 15. He was born in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, in 1846, of the marriage of David and Margaret (Patten) Smith, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state. The mother died when her son was but two years of age, after which the father came to Iowa, settling on a tract of rented land in Jackson county and making it his home for eight years. At the end of that time he found himself in possession of a capital which justified his purchase of land and he accordingly bought one hundred and twenty acres in Boulder township, Linn county. He improved and cultivated his land for many years but spent his last days in retirement.
James P. Smith of this review was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the public schools. When thirty years of age he began farming on his own account, having purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Clay county, Iowa. After seven years he disposed of that land and invested his money in one hundred and sixty acres on section 15, Boulder township. This is one of the best improved farms in Linn county, due to the efforts and labors of Mr. Smith. He is carrying on a successful business as a general farmer and stock-raiser, handling some very fine grades of animals.
On the 24th of December, 1876, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Juliet Geheringer, a daughter of Louise and Catherine (Drexler) Geheringer, who were natives of Germany and upon their emigration to the new world located on a farm in Jackson township, Linn county. Mr. Geheringer was employed at farm labor for several years but eventually became the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of land in Boulder township, thereon he and his wife made their home for many years but they are now living retired in Prairieburg. Mrs. Smith is the only child born to her parents, while Mr. Smith is one of a family of seven. Their marriage has likewise been blessed with seven children, as follows: Cora, the wife of Louis Pelard; Louis: Minnie and Maud, twins, the former the wife of W. Burnsides, and the latter the wife of Fred Jousie; Ida, the wife of Seward Smith; Lester; and Ruby.
Mr. Smith is a republican in politics and for ten years served on the school board but otherwise has filled no public office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his private business affairs. He and his wife are devoted members of the Presbyterian church. They are people of the highest respectability and worth and fully merit the high esteem in which they are held.
As printed in History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time (1911). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
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