John J. Smith

SMITH, REMMER, CLEMENTS, PRICE, TATE, STANLEY

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 3/6/2007 at 11:08:42

Biographies from the 1914 "Past and Present of O'Brien and Osceola Counties of Iowa"

JOHN J. SMITH.

Among the well known and representative farmers of Baker township, Osceola County, Iowa, is John J. Smith, who has lived here for the past twenty years. In studying the career of this successful farmer it is plain that success with him lies in the manner in which he has performed his work and the skill with which he has grasped his opportunities as they have been presented to him. He has been singularly free from those faults which might bring down upon him the censure of his neighbors, and by reason of his genial manner he ranks with the popular citizens of the township where he has so long maintained his residence.

John J. Smith, ex-trustee of Baker township, Osceola County, and a prosperous farmer and stock raiser, was born in Decatur County, Indiana, son of John and Sybil (Renner) Smith, his father having been a native of Germany, born in that country in 1832, while his mother was born in Franklin County, Indiana, in 1836. John Smith, Sr., left his native country when a young man and settled in Indiana, where he married and lived until his death in 1864. After his death his widow was married in 1866 to Grist Clements, who died in 1911, while Mrs. Clements died in 1892.

John J. Smith was one of a family of three children born to his parents and at the age of sixteen years started to work upon a farm at eight dollars a month. While still a young man, he went to Henry County, Iowa, and for ten years worked at different kinds of work, spending most of his time on the farm. He rented land in Henry County, Iowa, after his marriage and followed farming there until 1893, in which year he came to Osceola County, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Baker Township, where he has since resided. In accordance with the custom of most farmers in this section of the state, he set out a grove of forest and fruit trees. He devotes considerable attention to the breeding of cattle and has made a specialty of Hereford stock. He has improved his farm to a great extent since acquiring it and it is now one of the most attractive farms in his township.

Mr. Smith was married in 1887 to Rachel A. Price, who was born at Olds, in Henry County, Iowa, in 1864, and to this union have been born seven children: Mrs. Maud Tate, whose husband is a farmer in South Dakota; Mrs. Gladys Stanley, whose husband is a farmer in Osceola County: Jessie, deceased; Earl, Ruth, Hazel and Helen, the four last named children being at home with their parents.

Politically, Mr. Smith has always been identified with the Democratic party and has taken a great deal of interest in local political affairs. His party recognized his ability and nominated him several years ago for the office of township trustee, to which he was subsequently elected, and he discharged the important duties of this office in such a manner as to win the commendation of every good citizen of the township, whether he was of his political faith or not. He has also served as constable of Baker township and performed his services in this office in a conscientious manner. Mr. Smith is known as a man who has always been interested in every movement or enterprise which promised to better his community. He has many friends and is a pleasant social companion and for this reason is very popular throughout the township where he lives.

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