Cassius P. Smith

A spirit of enterprise and progress actuated Cassius P. Smith in all that he does. He has worked diligently and persistently to develop and improve his farm, which is today an excellent property, lying party in Allamakee and partly in Clayton counties. He was born in Clayton county, near National, on the 14th of January, 1866, and is a son of Benjamin and Abigail (Wilkins) Smith, natives of Essex county, New York. The father came to Iowa in the early ‘50’s and settled in Clayton county, where he entered government land, upon which he continued to reside for a number of years. His marriage occurred here and he and his family afterward removed to Post township, Allamakee county, where his death occurred in 1887. His wife survived him many years, dying in 1907.

The public schools of Clayton county and the Postville high school afforded Cassius P. Smith his educational opportunities and when he was not occupied with his books he aided his father with the work of the homestead. After he had attained his majority he rented land in Post township and two years later purchased the farm upon which he now resides. His holdings comprise sixty acres in Post township, Allamakee county, and seventy-seven acres just across the line in Clayton county. However, his son operates the Clayton county farm in connection with his own property. Mr. Smith has made substantial improvements upon his land and engages in general farming and stock-raising, keeping cattle, hogs and horses. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Store and the canning factory in Postvillle, and his business interests are carefully controlled, so that he has now reached a plane of affluence, being numbered among the substantial citizens of this community.

One the 17th of January, 1888, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Lucy A. Webb, who was born in Post township, a daughter of Henry Webb, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr.and Mrs. Smith are the parents of two children. The eldest, Leighton, was born in 1889, and is now engaged in farming in Clayton county. His wife was, in her maidenhood, Miss Carrie Swenson. Esther was born in 1895 and is now attending school.

Fraternally Mr. Smith is a member of Brotherly Love Lodge. A. F. & A. M., of Postville, and is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Brotherhood of America. He is independent in his political views, voting always in favor of progressive and constructive public measures. His entire life has been characterized by devotion to manly purposes and honorable principles and in business dealings he is straightforward and reliable, enjoying to the fullest extent the confidence and good-will of those who know him.

-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed Diana Diedrich

Return to 1913 biographies index