W. W. Smith

As printed in 1915

W. W. SMITH.

LaPorte City is fortunate in having as its mayor W. W. Smith, a man of undoubted administrative ability and of unimpeachable integrity. He is a native of the Empire state, born in May, 1843, a son of Isaac and Dollie (Canfield) Smith, who were likewise born in New York. The father removed with his family to Tama county, Iowa, in 1858 and made his home there through the remaining years of his life. He died in 1872, and his wife passed away in 1854 while the family were still living in New York.

W. W. Smith was reared upon the home farm and as soon as he was old enough began to help his father with the cultivation of the fields and the care of the live stock, and thus he gained a practical training that was of great advantage to him later in life. Nor was his formal education neglected, as he attended the common schools of the neighborhood. When eighteen years of age his patriotic spirit was aroused by the news of the assault on Fort Sumter and the attempt of the southern states to secede, and at the beginning of the war he enlisted in the Union army, being enrolled as a member of Company D, Thirty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He served for three years and was under fire many times, taking part in a number of important engagements. At the close of the war he went to Benton county, Iowa, and purchased eighty acres of land, which he improved and developed. He gradually increased his acreage until he became the owner of two hundred and eighty acres, which is still in his possession and which he operated until 1902. In that year he rented his land and removed to LaPorte City, where he has since resided. He immediately identified himself with public affairs and the welfare of the community and is now serving his third term as mayor of the city, his record being indorsed by reelection.

In December, 1867, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Estella D. Marsh, who was a daughter of Jasper and Caroline (Davis) Marsh, both natives of New York. In 1860 they removed to Tama county, Iowa, and the father operated a farm there until his death, which occurred in 1868. His widow lived many years longer, dying in 191 1. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born five children: O. J., a resident of Dysart, Iowa; Carrie, the wife of M. M. Hill, of Hood River, Oregon; W. H., who is farming the homestead; Alary, who died in 1912; and George L., also a resident of Hood River, Oregon. After a year's illness Mrs. Smith died in 1884 and Mr. Smith was married to Miss Louisa J. Johnson in April,. 1887. To this union have been born two children: Leota, the wife of '. H. Grove, of Montana; and Lloyd J., who is at home.

Mr. Smith is a consistent member of the Presbyterian church and cooperates with all movements seeking the moral advancement of the community. He supports the republican party at the polls and is quite prominent in local political circles. He belongs to M. F. Thompson Post, No. 187, G. A. R., and fraternally holds membership in the Knights of Pythias and in the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Whether engaged as an agriculturist or devoting his time as a public official to the administration of the city government, he has invariably manifested the qualities of energy, initiative and sound common sense. These characteristics have enabled him to gain success and to win the confidence of his fellowmen.

As printed in History of Black Hawk County, Iowa, and its people (1915). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.