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 1838, McKean county
From History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time (1911)
SAMUEL G. SMITH
Samuel G. Smith who, since 1901 has lived retired, was formerly identified with general agricultural pursuits and is still the owner of two hundred and fifty-one acres of good land on section 23, Clinton township. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in McKean county on the 16th of June, 1838, and is a son of Samuel and Catharine Smith. The father was born in Big Island, Pennsylvania, in 1805, and was engaged in merchant tailoring and in farming while in the east. In 1851 he came to the middle west, settling in Linn county, Iowa, his home being in Rapids township, where he carried on farming for more than three decades. His was a busy and useful life and he continued in active connection with general agricultural interests until 1885 when he retired to spend his remaining days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. His death occurred in 1896.
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.
The printed record stops around 1911. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.