SMITH, Thomas Rogan - 1890 Bio (1830-1908)

SMITH, DAVIS, MUSE, STEWART, SCHOOLEN, JOHNSON

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/27/2007 at 20:57:52

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 537-538

Thomas R. SMITH, an extensive farmer and stock-raiser located on section 20, Polk Township, came to Jefferson County in the spring of 1845, from Hancock County, Ind., where in 1830, he first opened his eyes to the light of day. He was the sixth child born unto David and Nancy (DAVIS) SMITH, both of whom were natives of Virginia. The family became residents of Jefferson County, Iowa, in 1845, and the parents continued to here make their home until called to their final rest. Mr. SMITH first bought about four hundred acres of land but added to this by subsequent purchase. He was a man of excellent business ability and became an influential citizen of the community.

The subject of this sketch acquired a limited education in the schools of Hancock County, Ind., and Jefferson County, Iowa, after which he assisted in opening up a farm for cultivation. On attaining his majority, he began life for himself on a farm comprising one hundred and sixty acres of raw land which he placed under fence, transformed into fertile fields and improved by the erection of good buildings, etc. In 1866, he was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Nancy MUSE, daughter of Warner and Martha (STEWART) MUSE, and Mrs. SMITH like her parents is a native of Virginia. Her father is now deceased, but her mother is still living and makes her home with her daughter.

Since coming to this county, Mr. SMITH has resided upon the old homestead. After his father's death, he purchased a half interest in the farm which he still owns and operates. His landed possessions aggregate nine hundred and twenty acres in Jefferson County, the greater part of which he uses for pasturage as he raises a large amount of stock. In this branch of his business he has been quite successful, it netting him a good income. Throughout the years of his manhood he has been blessed with prosperity and is now numbered among the wealthier citizens of the county. His business abilities are above the ordinary; shrewd and far sighted, he considers well before he makes a bargain and then does not come off loser, neither does he make the other party lose by the the transaction for he is fair and honest in all his dealings and finds no need to resort to strategy to accomplish his end. Socially, he is a member of Abingdon Lodge, No. 104, A. F. & A. M. and his wife is a faithful member of the Christian Church of Abingdon. He takes quite an active part in educational matters and in politics is a stalwart supporter of Democratic principles.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. SMITH have been born three children and the family circle yet remains unbroken, though the elder two have married and gone to homes of their own. Nathan, the only son, married Miss Lillie SCHOOLEN and is now engaged in farming in Polk Township; Martha is the wife of Jones JOHNSON, a resident farmer of the same township, and Myrta is still with her parents. The children have been provided with good educational advantages, such as to fit them for the practical duties of life and have become useful members of society. Mr. SMITH resided for two years under the territorial government of Iowa and has made his home in the State during its entire existence as such. He is widely and favorably known and the friends of the family are many.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.