William Smith

As printed in 1888

VILLIAM SMITH, born Oct. 5, 1833, is a native of Beaver County, Pa. He resides on section 20, Trenton Township, where he owns a fine farm of eighty acres. AVhen but a lad of twelve years he emigrated with his parents, Robert and Nancy (Bryarly) Smith, natives of Pennsylvania, to Indiana. In that State William was reared on a farm and received his education at the district schools. He came to this county in the fall of 18.55 with his parents, who subsequently removed to Decatur County, where they both died. The father departed this life in August, 1877, and the mother in August, 1885. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a Republican, always taking a lively interest in political affairs. They reared a family of eight children: Sarah S., wife of John Jones, now resides in Decatur County, Iowa; Jane M., widow of John

Bouse, now living in Tipton County, Ind.; AVill- 1

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

William Smith, our subject, went with his parents to Decatur County Iowa, in the spring of 1856; remaining but a short time, he returned to Henry County, engaging as a farm hand, then renting farms until October, 1861, when he responded to his country's call for troops. He enlisted in Company D, 4th Iowa Cavalry, and served until Aug. 9, 1864, as Corporal. His eyes became sore and he suffered from other disabilities, from the effects of which diseases he has never fully recover'ed. After his discharge he returned to Henry County, and was united in marriage, in February, 1865, with Rhoda Ann Messer, a native of Henry County, and a daughter of Hiram Messer. He made his home upon a rented farm on section 20, Trenton Township, until 1873, when he made a home on a farm of eighty acres which he had previously bought, and has developed a good farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the parents of two children— W. G. and E. M. His first wife died April 14, 1870, and ho was.again married in 1873, to Margaret Messer, a sister of his former wife, and by their union eight children have been born — William Sherman, Robert Hiram, John Miller, Ann Eliza, Rosa Blanche, Maggie Luella, Nancy Adeline and.james Harlan. Mr. Smith has held the office of Township Trustee for six years. Politically he is Republican. He is one of the stanch supporters of the party, and takes great interest in all political affairs. Mr. Smith commenced life a poor boy, and has made his own way in the world without.a.assistance.

As printed in Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Iowa, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biog (1888). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.