Peter J. Smith

As printed in 1913

PETER J. SMITH.

Among the successful and progressive farmers of Winneshiek county is 1111111- bered Peter J. Smith, who owns and operates a fine property of one hundred and sixty acres on section 33, Washington township. He is a native of Iowa, born in Fayette county, November 15, 1870, and is a son of John and Margaret (Schatz) Smith, natives of Prussia, Germany, who came to America in 1856, locating first in Wisconsin. After two years they moved to Fayette county, Iowa, and in 1880 came to Winneshiek county, the father buying two hundred and eighty acres of land on section 33, Washington township. This property he made a model farm, giving his entire attention to its improvement and development until his death, which occurred in 1898, his wife surviving him until 1907. To their union were born twelve children: Catherine, who married Christopher Xepper, of Gregory, South Dakota; Zita, the widow of John Henke. of Fayette county; Philip and Fred, who reside in Fayette county; Annie, the wife of Hen Gardner, of the same county; Barbara, the widow of C. C. ( grimes, of Lelo, South Dakota; Mary, who has passed away; Frances, the wife of John Schleier, of Winneshiek county; Peter J., of this review; John, deceased; Clemence, of Fayette county; and Frank, a resident of Fort Atkinson.

Peter J. Smith accompanied his parents to Winneshiek count\- in 1880, being at that time ten years of age, and he completed an education begun in his native section in the district schools. He remained with his father until he was twenty-six years of age and then began his independent career, renting one hundred and twenty acres of land in Fayette county. Upon this he resided for two years, after which he purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section t,, Washington township, Winneshiek county, upon which he has since made his home. There is an attractive dwelling upon the property, the other improvements are substantial and modern and the entire farm is divided into fields of convenient size by means of fences. Mr. Smith engaged in general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising and both branches of his activities are profitable and important.

On the 15th of November, 1899, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Hein and they have become the parents of five children, Nora, Irvin, Herbert, Louis and Bertha. Mr. Smith is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church and politically gives his allegiance to the democratic party, taking an active and public-spirited interest in community affairs, although never seeking office for himself. He early learned that industry is the basis of all success and he has labored diligently and earnestly throughout the years to gain a comfortable competency and to win for himself a creditable position in agricultural circles. The many sterling qualities of his character have commended him to the confidence and good-will of all and he has an extensive circle of friends in the community where practically his entire life has been spent.

As printed in Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement (1913). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.