Smith, Fred Sr. 1832-1917
SMITH, TORREY, POWELL, DAVIS, SCHMIT
Posted By: Ann Marie Rock (email)
Date: 9/2/2007 at 20:06:48
Fred Smith Sr.
In the passing away of Fred Smith, Sr, Clayton County has lost one her pioneers, a man who has lived in the county for seventy years.
He was born in Kippenheim, Germany, August, 1832 and died at his home two and one-half miles south of Elkader, February 6th at 9:30a.m., aged 84 years, 5 months and 17 days.
When he was two years old his parents came to the United States. They landed at New Orleans. From there they went to Pittsburg, Pa., where they remained for one year and then removed to Ripley county, Ind. At the age of fifteen he came with his parent to Clayton County, Iowa settling near Garnavillo, in 1847. He has lived in Clayton County ever since.
On March 9th, 1858 in Garnavillo, he was married to Harriet Torrey. Soon after their marriage they came to the place which was to be their future home, two and one-half miles south of Elkader. When they came it was an uncultivated piece of timber and brush land. Together they built up their home as it stands today. Here their eight children were born, three of them and the mother and companion having preceded him in death. The five living children are Mrs. J.C. Powell, of Elkader; Fred A. Smith, of Strawberry Point; L. D., on the home place; George A., of New York City, and Mrs. F. E. Davis of Strawberry Point.
On the home place he spent his declining years, being tenderly cared for by his son L. D. and family. By them and especially the grandchildren he will be greatly missed; Clyde and Luyre, to whom grandpa’s stories of the deer and bear that used to roam about the place never grew old or lost their charm.
He was a man of good moral character. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith. He cared nothing for the pleasure outside of his home and was always happiest when surrounded by family.
After the death of his loving companion in August, 1900, he turned his farming over to his son L. D. and devoted his entire time to his orchard and vineyard, in which he was constantly to be found.
Thus the builders of civilization have come and gone. They have made their contribution both for their own and the coming generations. May the present and future generations be equally prosperous in the upbuilding of our great community.
-----This was found in a family scrapbook. Fred's grandson Clyde was my grandfather. There's always been a rumor that the family name was originally some form of Schmit (obviously a more German sounding name) and was changed to Smith once they came to America.
Clayton Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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