GEORGE SMITH

George Smith is one of the prosperous agriculturists of Decatur county, owning three hundred and twenty acres in his home place on section 36, Long Creek township, and eighty acres in Franklin township. He was born ear Burlington in Des Moines county on the 29^th of December 1839, a son of Peter and Martha (Ellison) Smith. His parents, who were natives of England, emigrated to America in 1835 and, making their way westward, settled near Burlington, Iowa, the father entering land three miles south of that city. Although he followed the miller’s trade while living in England, he gave his attention to agricultural pursuits after coming to this country. He became the owner of four hundred acres of fine land, which he operated until his demise, which occurred in 1870 when he was seventy-five years of age. His widow survived until 1881, passing away when eighty-one years old. To them were born thirteen children, as follows: Ann; William; Edward; Samuel; Jane; John; Ellison; George; Sarah; James; Alfred, who died while crossing the ocean; and two who died in infancy.

George Smith was reared in Des Moines county and after completing the pubic school course entered Denmark Academy at Denmark, where he supplemented the education which he had previously acquired. He remained with his parents until he was of age and then rented land from his father, which he operated until 1871. In that year he came to Decatur county and purchased eighty acres of land in Long Creek township, to the improvement and cultivation of which he devoted his energies until 1875. He then bought an additional eighty acres, removing to his new holdings, where he resided until 1899. In that year he purchased an adjoining one hundred and sixty acres and took up his residence on that place. He has brought his home farm, which comprises three hundred and twenty acres, to a high state of cultivation and has also made many improvements upon an eighty acre tract in Franklin township which he owns. There are two sets of buildings upon his land and everything is kept in excellent condition, while he has always used improved machinery and progressive methods in the work of the farm. His labors have yielded him a good income and he has accumulated a competence.

On the 3d of May, 1865, occurred the marriage of Mr. Smith and Miss Margaret Jen Sharp, who was born on the 15^th of December, 1843, in Mount Sterling, Brown county, Illinois. Her parents, John and Sarah (Hemphill) Sharp, were both natives of Pennsylvania and were born of Irish and Scotch ancestors respectively. They became early residents of Illinois but after remaining there a few years removed to Des Moines county, Iowa, where the father entered land, to the operation of which he devoted the remainder of his active life. He died in January, 1881, when seventy-three years of age, and the mother died in July, 1913, when she had reached the remarkable age of one hundred and one years and four months. To Mr. And Mrs. Smith have been born nine children, five of whom survive, namely: Martha E., born February 6, 1868, who is now the wife of C. A. Imhoff, a farmer of this county; Alfred G., born April 22, 1870, who is farming land belonging to his father; Sarah Alice, who birth occurred September 30, 1872, who gave her hand in marriage to Arthur Richey, an agriculturist of this county; Carrie A., born December 12, 1880, who married George Redmond, a farmer of Long Creek township; and Horace Guy, born February 27, 1884, who is carrying on agricultural operations in Long Creek township and who married Maud Severn. Those who are deceased are: Frank O. born February 14, 1866, who died in November, 1881; Charley, born July 3, 1875, and who passed away March 15, 1906; Harry S. whose birth occurred on April 27, 1878 and who died in January, 1881; and Maggie, born September, 1887, who passed away the following month.

Mr. Smith is a stalwart democrat but has never taken active part in political affairs. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. On the 3d of May, 1915, he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, on which occasion all of their children and grandchildren and other relatives were present, and the occasion was a thoroughly enjoyable one. The house was beautifully decorated and a fine dinner was served the guests. Mr. And Mrs. Smith received many presents and all rejoiced with them in the many years of happy married life which it has been their privilege to enjoy. During the afternoon friends and neighbors called to extend their congratulations and good wishes.