In the books' own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. The later printing (1905) is folded below the first. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
From Biographical review of Des Moines County, Iowa (1905), Portrait and biographical album of Des Moines County, Iowa, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county .. (1888)
AMUEL SMITH, general farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 19, Burlington Township, Des Moines County, Iowa, was born in Cleckheaton, Yorkshire, England, Oct. 2G, 1826. At the age of four he began attending school in his native country, continuing his studies until the age of nine, when the family emigrated to America. He resided upon his father's farm until 1850, when, deciding to go West, he started with an ox-team over the plains, the journey consuming three months and twenty days, and at the end of that time arrived at Ringgold, Cal. Near that town he began digging gold, being quite successful, and by economical living was able to lay up some money. Leaving California in the summer of 1851, Mr. Smith made a visit to his old home, remaining there until the following spring, when, accompanied by his brother William, he once more made the trip to California, again crossing the plains with a team, and remained there until 1861, engaged in mining and tending water works. On the breaking out of the late war, Mr. Smith gave proof of his patriotism by enlisting at the President's first call for troops. Becoming a member of the 4th California Infantry, he served three years, having charge of a scouting party for about half of the time, the regiment doing duty in Arizona, New Mexico and Washington Territory. He was discharged from the service at the close of the war at Fort Juma, Cal. He was a brave and gallant soldier, always ready for the performance of any duty.
After being discharged Mr. Smith went up into the mountains for a month or so for the purpose of recruiting his health. Then proceeding to Santa Cruz County he remained there until October, 1865.
Returning home at that time he took charge of the home farm, which occupation he has still continued and 250 broad acres pay tribute to his labors. This farm, known as Rockwood Giange, is one of the best cultivated in Burlington Township. Mr. Smith has long been identified with the leading business interests of the county, and in connection with his farm is associated in the Island Mills, together with other minor interests. For some time he has been in failing health, probably- on account of disease contracted in the army. He is a member of Des Moines Lodge, No. 1., A. F. & A. M., Iowa Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M., St. Omar Commandery. No. 15, K. T. He also belongs to the Matthias Post, No. 5, G. A. R., and Washington Lodge, No. 1, I. O.
As printed in Portrait and biographical album of Des Moines County, Iowa, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county .. (1888). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
SAMUEL SMITH.
S.XMUEL S.MiTii, deceased, was a representative of one of the oldest pioneer families in Des Moines county, and was himself an honored citizen of the county for many years: but it is not these facts alone that entitle him to mention in this volume, but because of his activity in agricultural circles, his honor in business life, his loyalty in citizenship, and his devotion to all that pertains to the welfare and progress of his town, township] and county. He also served his adopted country with much bravery and fortitude. Mr. Smith was born at Cleckheaton, Yorkshire, England, Oct, 26, 1826. His parents, Peter and Martha (Ellison) Smith, were also natives of England, his father being born in Yorkshire, Mav 13, 1795. His mother was born in Sutton, Jan. 22, 1800, and was the eldest of five children.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith were married, when very young, in England, where the former was engaged in farming and milling till 1835, when the declining prospects of business led
As printed in Biographical review of Des Moines County, Iowa (1905). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1905. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.