SMITH, Alvah D. 1829-1900

SMITH

Posted By: Ida CC
Date: 1/5/2016 at 09:39:35

Alvah Dowd Smith
(October 29, 1829 - January 17, 1900)

Alvah Dowd Smith was born in Cattauragus Co. N.Y. on October 29, 1829. Here he lived with his parents until 1848, when he came with his sister, Adaline, to Illinois, locating on a farm four miles from where the city of Freeport now stands, his sister keeping house for him. There he engaged in gardening, having had much experience in the seed business with D.M. Ferry and Vick’s seed farms.
 
Mr. Smith was a man of great physical strength and intellect, endowed with the sterling qualities that go to make up honest manhood, and, although only a boy in years, he succeeded well on his farm and was soon known through northern Illinois for his genial good nature and many travelers found hospitality freely extended to them by both he and his sister, Illinois being at that time almost one vast prairie, hardly a settlement between Chicago and Dubuque, and many were the hardships and incidents he could tell of dealing with the Indians who roamed the prairies in large numbers. Few men started in life with brighter prospects than did Mr. Smith. Liked by everyone whom he came in contact with, and to meet him was to know he was your friend. In 1854 he was married to Levisa Handy. To them were born two sons and a daughter.