John M. Smith

As printed in 1901

JOHN M. SMITH.

For many years this gentleman has been engaged in the real estate business in Jones, Cedar and Linn counties and other parts of the state, and is accounted one of its most honorable and upright business men. He v.as born in Lycoming county, Pennsyhania, Decemlier 30. 1826. a son of James and Matilda (Shade) Smith. The father was a native of Lebanon county, that state, where he spent almost his entire life in Lycoming county, dying there at the age of eighty-four years. He was a shoemaker b\- trade and followed that occupation for a great many years, but afterward engaged in farming. In politics he was a Democrat, but never cared for official honors, though he was a public-spirited man, who advocated all that tended to public improvement. The mother of our subject died in 1852, at the age of fifty-three years, shortly after visiting her sons in Iowa. She was born near Lock Haven, Clinton county, Pennsylvania, anfl remained there until her marriage. She was a devout member of the Methodist church and a constant attendant upon its services. In her family were eight children of whom dur subject is the only survivor, although all grew to man and womanhood with the exception of one who died in infancy One son, James C. Smith, was a Methodist minister and was presiding elder in St. Louis for three years, his death occm-ring at the age of forty-two. He was well known in Linn county and throughout this state.

John M. Smith was reared near his birthplace and attended the cnmniDn schools of his native state. The knowledge there acquired was greatly supplemented by home study as he was a great over of books. From early boyhood he has made his own way in the world, and during his youth learned the clothing business, but has never followed the same since attaining man's estate. He first came to Iowa in 1849. but after a year spent in this state returned to Pennsylvania, and did not locate permanently here until 1852. For a time he made his home in Maquoketa, Jackson county, where he followed \-various occupations, and then removed to Wyoming, Jones county, erecting the first house at that place, but as the railroad was not built through there as soon as he expected, he sold out, and after a short time spent in Anamosa, came to Marioti, Linn county, where he lived until 1892, when he removed to Kenwood Park — his present home. Here he purchased a number of village lots, which he has since sold, but still has large property interests in Marion, Kenwood and elsewhere in this and other states. Throughout his active business life he has been a real estate dealer, Iniying and selling not only city property, but also farm lands. He has built a commodious and pleasant residence for himself on First avenue, Kenwood Park.

On the 18th of October, 1851, at Freeport, Pennsylvania, Mr. Smith wedded Miss Mary J. Morehead, a native of Butler county, that state, and a daughter of J. M. and Anna (Graham) Morehead, and granddaughter of David and Martha (Stanley) Morehead, who spent their entire lives in Pennsylvania. The father, who was engaged in general farming, died at the age of seventy-seven years, and the mother passed away at the age of fort-nine. Mrs. Smith is the oldest of their eight children, six of whom are still living. Her maternal grandfather, Joseph Graham, was a native of Scotland, and at an early day came to the United States and located in Pennsylvania, which was then but sparsely settled. There he spent the remainder of his life. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Ralston.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born two children: Sarah M., born in Maquoketa, Iowa, in 1852, died at the age of nine years. Oscar M., born in Wyoming, Jones county, July 17, 1857, is traveling and is now in Montana. He married F.mnia Bennett, a native of Mechanicsville, Iowa, who died at that place April 21, 1896. She was a lady of more than ordinary intelligence, a devoted wife and a kind and loving mother, and was early loved by all who knew her on account of her strength of character and Christian spirit. She is therefore greatly missed by a large circle of friends. She left one child, J Bennett, who was born October 6, 1888, at Marion, and now makes his home with his grandparents, Ir. and Mrs. Smith.

Our subject gives his political support to the Republican party, and is now serving as councilman of the village of Kenwood Park, which position he has filled with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents for several years. Socially he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and religiously holds membership in the Methodist church, while his wife is a member of the Episcopal church.

As printed in Biographical records of Linn County, Iowa .. (1901). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.