Smith, Horace S. 1865 - 1948

SMITH, SHEAR, BRICKNER, SHANK

Posted By: P. Bergmeier (email)
Date: 11/14/2004 at 13:37:16

History of Winneshiek County Vol. II

Horace S. Smith is numbered among the native sons of Winneshiek county, for his birth occurred in Bluffton township on the 4th of January, 1865. His parents were George and Harriet M. (Shear) Smith. The father, who was born in England, August 11, 1823, was the first of his family to come to the United States, but later sent for his widowed mother, his five sisters and his one brother, who is William H. Smith, now a resident of Decorah. It was in 1855 that George Smith crossed the Atlantic to the United States, and making his way into the interior of the country became a pioneer settler of Winneshiek county. He was a mason by trade and followed that pursuit before coming to the middle west and to some extent after his arrival here. However, in this county he became the owner of a good tract of land, which he converted into a valuable and productive farm. It was in this county that he met and married Harriet M. Shear, a native of New York, who in early girlhood came with her parents to Iowa. They began their domestic life on a farm in Bluffton township, which continued to be their home until they were called to their final rest. In their family were five children: Alva, living in Washington; Josephine, who died in childhood; Horace S.; Elmer A., living in Canoe township; and Eugene L., who occupies the old home place in Bluffton township.

Horace S. Smith was reared on the old homestead in Bluffton township and there resided until he purchased his present place in 1896. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges and he received thorough training in farm work under the direction of his father. He is now the owner of one hundred and twenty-one acres of good land on sections 32 and 33, Canoe township, and he has made some improvements here. His farm presents a neat and attractive appearance and the fields annually respond with golden harvests to his care and labor.

In 1890 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Hattie M. Brickner, who was born on what is now her husband's farm, February 1, 1868, a daughter of Henry and Julia (Shank) Brickner. Her father is deceased and her mother resides in Canoe township. Mr. Smith was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife on the 20th of May, 1910. He has an adopted son, Louie B. Smith. Always a farmer, his life has been quietly passed, yet his record is one of activity and usefulness, and he is numbered among the leading agriculturists of this part of the county. His place is known as the Wayside Stock Farm, which name indicates one of the features of his business, for he is extensively and successfully engaged in stock-raising and is an excellent judge of stock.

Lutheran Decorah Cemetery
 

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