James Smith

DANIELS, HALE, JOHNSON, KILLAM, LEINARD, PROCTOR, SMITH, STUBBS

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 10/13/2005 at 21:09:35

James Smith, deceased, was one of the well known and progressive farmers of Lincoln township and his demise in 1898 was the occasion of sincere grief to many. He-was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, February 15, 1816, and in 1869 he removed to Iowa, arriving here on the 6th of August—the day before the total eclipse of the sun. He purchased land in Lincoln township and devoted his time and attention exclusively to the development of his farm, which became one of the up-to-date and splendidly improved agricultural properties of his locality. He not only cultivated the fields but also raised a good grade of stock, and his labors yielded him a good income year by year.

In 1840 Mr. Smith married Miss Sarah Ann Stubbs, who passed away September 9, 1863, and for his second wife he wedded Miss Martha Johnson, who was called to her final rest on the 13th of December, 1896. He was the father of thirteen children: Sarah S., the wife of George Proctor, of Adair county, Iowa; William S. and I. T., deceased, the latter dying in Ohio ; Elizabeth A., the wife of J. W. Leinard, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Mary M., who gave her hand in marriage to M. C. Leinard, of Winterset; Minerva, now Mrs. T. I. Killam, of St. Charles, Iowa; Margaret, who was a twin of Minerva and died in childhood; James N., of St. Charles; one who died in infancy; Martin J., engaged in farming in Lincoln township; Nina B., the wife of J. A. Hale, of Winterset ; Effie, who died in 1871 ; and Maggie M., who married F. M. Daniels, of Rocky Ford, Colorado.

Mr. Smith became a member of the Methodist church when a youth of twelve and from that time until his demise regularly attended its services and was an active worker in the organization. For a quarter of a century he was class leader, and his influence was productive of much good in his community. His politic allegiance was given to the republican party. He performed well the work that was given him to do and those who knew him still remember him as a man of sterling character, of commendable public spirit and of much kindness of heart.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915,” by Herman Mueller.