Samuel Graves Smith

SMITH, FLEMING

Posted By: Stacey Smith (email)
Date: 9/1/2005 at 15:45:39

Samuel G Smith who, since 1901 has lived retired, was formerly identified with general agricultural pursuits and is still owner of two hundred and fifty-one acres of good land on section 23, Clinton township. A native of Pennslvania, he was born in McKean County on the 16th of June, 1838, and is a son of Samuel and Catharine Smith. The father was born in Big Island, Pennsylvania, in 1805, and was engaged in merchant tailoring and in farming while in the east. In 1854 he came to the middle west, settling in Linn County, Iowa, his home being in Rapids township, where he carried on farming for more than three decades. His was a busy and useful life and he continued in active connection with general agricultural interests until 1885 when he retired to spend his remaining days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. His death occurred in 1896.

Samuel G Smith attended the public schools of Smithport, Pennsyvania, until 1854 when he came to Linn County with his parents. Here he continued his education as a pupil in the district schools for two years and on putting aside his textbooks he became his father's assistant in the work of the home farm, to which he devoted his time and energies until twenty-one years of age. On attaining his majority he started out in life on his own account and removing to Clinton township, rented land which he cultivated until 1865. During that time he bought eight acres and to it added from time to time unti he owned one hundred and twenty acres. His attention was given to further development of the property until 1884 when he sold that place and invested in two hundred and fifty-one acres on section 23, Clinton township, which he improved and cultivated for seventeen years and which his son has operated since Mr Smith retired from active business life in 1901.

Mr Smith was married in Rapids township, Linn County, to Miss Martha Fairbanks, the wedding being celebrated on the 30th of September, 1858. The groom was a young man of twenty years and his wife still younger. She was a daughter of William and Sarah Fairbanks and by marriage she has become the mother of eight children, five of whom are living, namely: William H., now fifty years of age, who is engaged in farming in Buchanan County, Iowa; Ellis E., forty-six years of age, who carries on general agricultural pursuits in Benton county, Iowa; Samuel G., forty years of age, who is engaged in farming in Buchanan county, Iowa; Mrs. Belle Lazenby, who occupies a farm in Linn County, Iowa; and Robert F., twenty-eight years of age, who manages his father's farm.

In his political views Mr Smith is a democrat and while he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, he has never sought nor desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his busines affairs. He has now passed the seventy-second milestone on life's journey and his has been an active and useful life, crowned not only with success but also with the respect and good will of his fellowmen.

Source: History of Linn County, Iowa; Volume 2; 1911.