SMITH, Abraham

SMITH, CARR, JORDAN, MILLER

Posted By: Nettie Mae
Date: 1/19/2003 at 01:02:34

Source: "The 1901 Biographical Record of Clinton Co., Iowa, Illustrated" published: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1901.

ABRAHAM SMITH.

For almost half a century this gentleman was prominently identified with the affairs of Orange township, his home being on section 29, and in his death the community realized that it had lost a valued and useful citizen. He was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, on the 11th of August, 1837, and was a son of William Smith, a native of the same county, where he continued to make his home until after the birth of all his children. In 1851 he brought his family to Iowa and located in Orange township, Clinton county, where he and his sons all purchased land, making this their permanent home.

Our subject was fourteen years of age when he came with his father to this county, and during his minority he gave his father the benefit of his labors upon the farm. His education was obtained in the local schools. After arriving at mature years he worked for his father by the month for a few years. He was first married in 1861 to Miss Clementine Carr, and for some time they lived on the old home place, which he operated.

About 1870 he bought the Purcell farm, which he improved, and meeting with success in its cultivation he was able to add to it until he had three hundred and twenty acres of rich and arable land. He built a large and substantial residence, a good barn and other outbuildings, put up a wind pump, set out fruit and shade trees, and made many other improvements which added greatly to the value and attractive appearance of the place. Besides this farm, he owned an interest in the old homestead and other lands, being one of the most successful and prosperous farmers of his locality. He also engaged in stock raising with marked success.

Mr. Smith’s first wife died June 3, 1874, leaving two sons: George G., a resident of Grand Mound; and Isaac Franklin, a farmer of Orange township. He was again married, in this county, September 23, 1875, his second union being with Miss Amanda Jordan, who was born in Canada, and was reared and educated in Adrian, Michigan. Her father, Josiah Jordan, was a native of Vermont, and there married Catherine Miller, who was born in Canada. For a few years after their marriage they reside in the Dominion, and then moved to Lenawee county, Michigan, where the father owned and operated a farm for some years In 1866 he came to Iowa and bought a farm in Orange township, Clinton county, where he spent his last years, dying here on the 11th of August, 1878. His wife passed away in October, 1867. They were the parents of nine children, five sons and four daughters, all of whom reached manhood and womanhood, but only Mrs. Smith and four brothers are now living. She was a young lady when she came to this county, and prior to her marriage successfully engaged in teaching school. By his second marriage our subject had three children: Lillian C., who is now a member of the junior class at Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa; Altha F. and William D., both at home.

Mr. Smith died on the 29th of March, 1899, and was buried in the Smith cemetery, Orange township, where a substantial monument now marks his last resting place. He was a life-long Democrat, and a stanch supporter of his party and its principles. As one of the most public-spirited and enterprising men of his township, he took an influential part in public affairs, and was called upon to fill the offices of road supervisor and township trustee, the duties of which positions he most capably discharged. Since her husband’s death Mrs. Smith has had charge of the farm and business affairs, and has displayed excellent ability in her management of the same. She is a most estimable woman, and has a host of warm friends throughout the county.