Squire Thomas V. Smith 1838-1918

SMITH, HARTSHORN, BAZELEY, KING

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 2/22/2016 at 18:33:33

Thomas V. Smith

Squire Thomas Smith was a butcher and dealer in fresh and salted meat here in Farley. Born Nov. 4, 1838, in Derbyshire, England, Mr. Smith was the second of six children. At age 10 he came with his parents to America. Thomas (died at age 63-June 1875) and (Mathilda Hartshorn Smith, died at age 65-April 1885). The family lived in New Jersey and Pennsylvania until 1855 when they moved to Dubuque County, Iowa. Both of Thomas Smith’s parents died in Dubuque County and are buried at Fairview.

Thomas worked as a farm hand until 1861. He then elicited in the 9th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Co. G., to fight in the Civil War. Thomas served for three years being in fourteen battles, including Vicksburg, Atlanta; Pea Ridge; Champion Hills; and Grand Gulf. Smith was knocked down by a ball, but as not hurt. He was honorably discharged Sept. 24, 1864 at East Point, Georgia. Thomas then returned to Farley to farm for two years before beginning his meat business for seventeen years. Upon his retirement he gave the meat shop over to his son-in-law. In the winter of 1860, Mr. Smith married Miss Mary Ann Bazeley. Mary (1840-1930), was a native of Wisconsin. They had three children; Harriett, (Mrs. G. W. King) of Maquoketa; Emma B., of North Platte, Nebraska; Martha Mathilda, (Mrs. Burton D. Herald) of Farley.

Mr. Smith served as Justice of the Peace for 30 years, was the town mayor form 1889-1903, was on the school board, and was a Notary Public for two years. In 1903 one of Mr. Smith’s duties for the town was to raise and lower the U.S. flag daily and care for the town cannon. Thomas died in August 1918. Burial for him and his wife was at Fairview.

Note: "The History of Farley" - Welu Printing Co. - Copyright 1966