Smith, Henry A. (1857-1940)

SMITH

Posted By: Oregon
Date: 1/15/2003 at 10:24:37

Henry Alman Smith
Oct 13, 1857 - July 9, 1940

THE HISTORY of POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY, 1907
Henry A. Smith, now living in the village of Macedonia, has for a long period been connected with the farming and stock-raising interests of the county and is now engaged to some extent in carpentering and building. His birth occurred in this township, October 13, 1857, his parents being Stephen and Mary (Frain) Smith, who are now residing in Grove township, this county, where the father follows farming, to which pursuit his entire life has been devoted. In their family were four sons and a daughter: George M., who is now living practically retired in Tabor, Iowa; Willard E., whose home is in Macedonia township; Clara V., the wife of C. E. Bogue, of Glenwood Springs, Colorado; and Arthur J., at home.

The other member of the family is Henry A. Smith, who was reared to the occupation of farming and has always resided in this county. He was a pupil in the public schools and when he had mastered the common branches of English learning, he turned his attention to agriculture pursuits as a life work. He has prospered in his undertakings, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation, and through his practical and progressive methods of tilling the soil has secured good crops, which have brought a very satisfactory price on the market. He is now the owner of two excellent farms in Macedonia township, one comprising one hundred and twenty acres of land and the other containing eighty acres. He now leaves the active work of the farm to others, but still gives personal supervision to his places. In 1901 he removed to the village of Macedonia and erected a residence, which he has since occupied. For five years he was engaged in the hardware business but has now retired from commercial pursuits. He is, however, engaged to some extent in carpentering and building and is thus identified with the improvement of the town.

Mr. Smith was married, in Grove township, in 1883, to Miss Ella Travis, a native of Jefferson county, Iowa, and unto them have been born three children: Grace, Fae and Harry, all at home.

In his political views Mr. Smith is a republican and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to position of political preferment, so that he has filled all the township offices. He has been trustee, township clerk and in Grove townships now serving as a member of the council. His duties have been discharged with promptness and fidelity and his worth as a public-spirited citizen is widely acknowledged. He belongs to the Masonic Lodge at Macedonia, and he and all his family are members of the Christian church of Grove township. In the community they are much esteemed and their circle of warm friends is an extensive one.