J. J. Smith

DERBY, MCLAUGHLIN, SMITH

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 10/13/2004 at 17:43:26

J. J. Smith, Jefferson twp., farmer, Sec. 10; P.O. Van Meter; born in Ackron, Ohio, August 15, 1846; when four years old his father died, and one year afterward his mother removed to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, living there ten years; in the spring of 1861 they again removed, locating in Muscatine county, this State; August 10, 1861, in his fifteenth year, he enlisted in the 11th Iowa State Militia, October 10, following, was enrolled into the United States service, remaining with that regiment until the last rebel surrendered; mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, July 22, 1865, having participated in the following battles: Shiloh, Corinth, Medan Station, Tennessee, Iuka, second Corinth, Vicksburg, Jackson, Meridan, Mississippi, Keneshaw Mountain and seven other severe engagements; returning home at the close of the war engaged in farming; was married in January 1866 to Mrs. Mary A. Derby, formerly McLaughlin, a native of Ireland; by this union they have two daughters living: Cora Minnie and Estella Maud; Mr. Smith is a purely self-made man, cast upon his own resources at an early age; he did eminent service fighting the battles of his country, and later in life developed into a fine legislator of whom his country may well be proud.

Taken from the book, "The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1879" page 656