John L. Smith

As printed in 1911

JOHN L. SMITH.

The agricultural development of the country has been due to the energy and enterprise of men like John L. Smith, now living in West Liberty, who has won his way to success by patient application and an undaunted faith in nature's resources. He has ever since his earliest recollections been connected with agricultural interests, and the lessons he learned under his father he has applied with gratifying success.

He was born in Goshen township, January 27, 1858, the son of Lak and Elizabeth (Gladstone) Smith. The father was a native of Scotland and went to Cincinnati, Ohio, at seventeen years of age. In 1868 he took up his residence in Goshen township, Muscatine county, Iowa, but died in Nebraska in 1904. The mother was born in Ireland and came with her parents to America, locating in Cincinnati, where she was married to Mr. Smith. She was called to her reward in 1890. There were seven children in the family: Jeanette, now the wife of Alonzo Keysberry, of Reinbeck, Iowa; Parbara, now Mrs. J. H. Wiker, of Dalton, Nebraska; Lizzie, now the wife of John Shanker, of Biglow, Kansas; John L., the subject of this review; Mary, the wife of J. H. Davis, of Valisca, Iowa; Agnes, now Mrs. J. E. Dennis, of Hastings, Nebraska; and E. J., who is filling a government position at Chicago. Illinois.

John L. Smith grew up under the favoring influences of a good home and received his early education in the common schools. He assisted his father upon the farm and so continued until twenty-four years of age, when he began farming for himself in Wapsinonoc township, subsequently removing to Pike township. In 1909 he took up his residence in West Liberty as a farmer and stock-raiser and has met with a goodly measure of success, being now the owner of a well improved farm near Austin, Minnesota, and of a fine residence in West Liberty.

In 1880 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Wales, and by this union four children have been born: Elvvood W., Edward J., Ray G. and Florence, all of whom are at home. Politically, Mr. Smith is identified with the republican party, but he makes use of his right as an American citizen to vote for any man of solid attainments and good character regardless of party. Socially, he is a valued member of the Odd Fellows lodge at West Liberty. He is recognized as absolutely trustworthy and has qualified by natural talents and experience to bring to a successful issue any undertaking that may engage his attention. In his intercourse with others he has exercised those genial qualities that win friendship and sincere regard.

As printed in History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time; (1911). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.