SMITH, HENRY A.

SMITH, ASH

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/13/2004 at 11:59:25

Biography reproduced from page 519 of the History of Kossuth and Humboldt Counties, Iowa published in 1884:

Henry A. Smith, son of William H. And Esther J. Smith, was born July 21, 1829, in Milford township, Knox Co., Ohio. He lived with his parents until Jan. 12, 1846, when he went to Pennsylvania, living two years in Crawford and Mercer counties, and learning the trade of a blacksmith. He started home, and while at Wooster, Ohio, he enlisted in the 15th United States Infantry, and was sent immediately to Newport Barracks, Ky., to drill. The war with Mexico closing at this time his services were not needed, so he was discharged on Feb. 11, 1848, and arrived at his home on the 13th. He lived with his parents until Oct. 19, 1852, when he was married to Dorcas A., daughter of David and Abigail L. Ash. He afterwards removed to Linn Co., Iowa; remained there about one year, and removed to Dane Co., Wis., arriving there in April, 1855. He located in Primrose township, and lived there until May, 1861. He enlisted in the State service at Madison, Wis., and on June 11th, enlisted for three years, in company H, 2d regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was immediately sent to Washington, D. C. He participated in the battles of Blackburn’s Ford, July 18, 1861; Bull Run, July 21, 1861, and the battles of the Rappahannock, on Aug. 21 to 27, inclusive, in 1862. Having contracted granulation of the eyelids, he was unfitted for active field duty, and was detailed on light duty until he received his discharge, June 14, 1864. He arrived home on the 2d of July, remaining only a few days, when he came to Iowa to look up a location. In August, 1864, he entered as a homestead, the northeast quarter of section 27, township 97, range 28, Portland township. He immediately removed his family to their new home and where they have since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have three children—William H, married and living in Humboldt, Iowa; Walter H. and Esther O. Mr. Smith was a democrat before the war, was a republican after the war, and is now a greenbacker. He has been a member of the Grange ever since its organization in Portland township. Mr. Smith draws a pension of $30 per month. He has served four terms as township clerk, and one term as successor. While living in Wisconsin, he was a member of the Free Will Baptist Church, but has not identified himself with any Church since coming to Iowa.