William Callum SMITH

SMITH, LYLE, FISHER, CROWNE

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/7/2016 at 19:56:27

WILLIAM C. SMITH Born in Roxbury, Delaware county, New York, on December 22, 1842, his parents being Robert and Jeannette (Lyle) Smith. both of Forres, Scotland. William was educated in the Roxbury Academy and the Delphi Academy. In spite of his academic training, Mr. Smith retained his love for the freedom and independence of country life, and at the close of his school days he returned to the cultivation of the soil near Roxbury. In 1869, surrendering to the adventurous spirit which attracted so many to the West, he rented a farm north of Des Moines, Iowa, and lived there for a short time, when he tried making his home in Jasper county. This he soon gave up to become a cattle herder in Wright county, Iowa, his work taking him from one end of the county to the other as well as to the larger portion of northwestern Iowa. For twenty years he bought and sold cattle and herded cattle. In 1892 he was able to retire, and he then moved to Eagle Grove, where he soon became prominent in its financial enterprises. For fourteen years he was president of the State Bank of Eagle Grove. In 1902 he sold this interest in the bank and gave his entire time to land speculation. He was elected to the State Senate and served in the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth General Assemblies, 1890, 1892. It was while he was state senator that Mr. Smith endeared himself to his constituents, and justified by his conduct in office their faith in him. It was here that he showed those traits of character which proved him to be truly loyal to the best interests of the common people. The marriage of W. S. Smith and Dora Fisher was solemnized on December 24, 1800. Mrs. Smith is the daughter. of Albert and Catherine (Crowne) Fisher, formerly of Eagle Grove. Mr. Smith has never neglected his religious life, and for many years both he and his estimable wife have been helpful in their church membership. The former is a trustee and the latter is a steward of the Methodist Episcopal church, and to its work they have made frequent and large contributions. Mr. Smith has always been affiliated with the Republican party. to which he has given both financial and moral support.

Source: History of Wright County, Iowa, 1915