Richard Smith is a worthy native son of Delaware county who has devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and is now living retired on his farm of one hundred and twelve acres in Richland township. His birth occurred in that township on the 9th of May, 1854, his parents being Henry and Jane (Cook) Smith, both of whom were natives of England. They emigrated to the United States in the '40s and first located in Illinois, while the year 1853 witnessed their arrival in Delaware county, Iowa. They settled in Richland township, where the father spent the remainder of his life, passing away in 1871. The mother of our subject survives and now makes her home at Lamont, Buchanan county, this state. She had five children, as follows: George W., who is a resident of California; Richard, of this review; Mary Jane, deceased; Henrietta, who gave her hand in marriage to Joseph Benish, of Lamont, Iowa; and W. H., of Richland Township.

     Richard Smith remained under the parental roof until twenty-seven years of age, when he was married and purchased the farm of one hundred arid twelve acres in Richland township on which he has resided continuously to the present time. He devoted his time and energies to its operation throughout his active business career and by dint of untiring industry and well directed effort won the competence that now enables him to live retired. As a companion arid helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Smith chose Miss Flora Sherwin, a native of Delaware county, Iowa, and a daughter of L. S. and Angelina (Strong) Sherwin, both of whom were born in New York. They came to Iowa in an early day. The father is deceased, but the mother survives and makes her home with her son. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born four children, namely: Mildred M., who is the wife of F. J. Legg; Bonnie A., the wife of Ray Lawrence; Madge H., who gave her hand in marriage to J. B. Nelson; and Jane A., the wife of Wade Long, of Manchester, Iowa.

     In politics Mr. Smith is a democrat and has served as trustee, assessor and school director, making a creditable and commendable record in those connections. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have spent their entire lives in Delaware county and enjoy an extensive and favorable acquaintance within its borders. They have witnessed its gradual growth and advancement and may proudly feel that their efforts have contributed to its present high state of development.