SMITH, Rev. David Cryst - 1890 Bio (1837-1930)

SMITH, YOUNG

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/27/2007 at 20:34:23

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Page 332

Rev. David C. SMITH, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, formerly a resident of Fairfield and father of the SMITH Bros. of that place, was born in Perry County, Pa., on the 17th of November, 1837, and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth SMITH. His parents were also natives of the Keystone State, but the family was originally of German descent. Although his educational advantages in youth were meagre, being limited to such as the common schools of the day afforded, he became a well-informed man. Possessing an observing eye, retentive memory and superior reasoning faculties, he gave careful attention the study of men and their manners, read standard works and in various ways added to his fund of knowledge until he was enabled to teach school and subsequently to enter upon the work of the ministry.

When a young man of twenty years the Rev. Mr. SMITH sought a home in Iowa, making his first location in Ainsworth, Washington County, where he engaged in teaching school. Five years later he was admitted to the Iowa Methodist Conference and was assigned to Webster as his first charge. His entire ministerial labors have been within the Iowa Conference and have been productive of much good. He has served as Presiding Elder of the Oskaloosa District four years, for two years was pastor of the church in Fairfield and is now pastor of the church in Albia.

In 1863 the Rev. Mr. SMITH was married, in Trivoli, Peoria County, Ill, to Miss Georgiana YOUNG, who was born near Trivoli and is a daughter of Capt. YOUNG, a native of Bath, Me. Her father at one time followed a seafaring life and was captain of a vessel, but afterward abandoned that occupation and engaged in inland pursuits. The family born of their union numbered five children -- four sons and a daughter. The eldest, Frank Forest, died in infancy; Harlan C. is a member of the firm of SMITH Bros., publishers and editors of the Fairfield "Journal"; Chester Y. is a partner of his brother; Vida F. and Charles V. are still at home. The mother, a most estimable lady, died October 12, 1889. In politics Mr. SMITH is a Prohibitionist and a member of the State Central Committee, appointed by the Iowa State Temperance Convention of January 9, 1890. His pure, upright life supplementing his earnest and eloquent words in the pulpit have led many to believe in the Word and accept the salvation offered them. He is honored in whatever community he makes his home and it is with pleasure that we record this sketch.

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