John Smyth 1819-1886

SMYTH, HENRY

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 1/16/2019 at 22:18:12

John Smyth-was born in County Down, Ireland in 1819. When he was thirteen years old he came to America with his parents who settled in Bangor, Maine. A few years later he embarked in the mercantile business carrying a complete line of general merchandise, dry goods, boots, shoes and groceries. Ten years later he sold and came to Prairie Creek Township. He bought 140 acres of land and immediately set about clearing and improving it. In 1844, he married Margaret Henry and they had thirteen children, nine of whom lived: Henry, John, Anna, George, Charles, Katie, Celia, Frank and Albert. All the children received a good education. Katie graduated from Lyons College and taught in Iowa Public Schools for a number of years. John Smyth passed away November 24, 1886.

History of Bernard 1880-1980 - 100 Years of Progress