J. C. SMITH.

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         Louisa county has been signally favored in the class of men who have filled her public offices, for on the whole they are those to whom the word citizenship is no mere idle term. They have been faithful to the duties and obligations devolving upon them and of this class J. C. Smith is a representative, fearlessly discharging the duties of the office of sheriff for the third term. He was born in this county on the 3d of April, 1856, his parents being William S. and Caroline (Smith) Smith, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. They came to Louisa county, Iowa, in 1838, Mr. Smith soon after entering a tract of land. His demise here occurred February 9, 1873, while his wife was called to her final rest April 19, 1903, the community thus losing two of its respected pioneer residents. They were the parents of twelve children, seven of whom are yet living.

         J. C. Smith obtained his education in the common schools and when a youth of eighteen began earning his own livelihood, working as a farm hand for two years. He then devoted his attention to the operation of a rented farm for two years or until the time of his marriage. Following that important event in his life he purchased a tract of land in Wapello township, Louisa county, residing thereon for eight years. On the expiration of that period he traded the property for a farm in Oakland township, this county, being successfully engaged in its further cultivation and improvement for ten years. At the end of that time he traded the place for a farm in Concord township where he resided for six years before disposing of his land. Subsequently he spent eighteen months in Columbus Junction and then purchased another farm in Oakland township, making his home thereon for four years. Since disposing of that property he has resided in Wapello. He now owns city residence property in Des Moines and has long been numbered among the prosperous and representative citizens of the community.

         As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Smith chose Miss Elmira Frizell, a native of Louisa county and a daughter of J. O. and Eliza (Webster) Frizell, who were born in Ohio and came to this county about 1836, locating on what is now known as the Lambert farm. Mr. Frizell here passed away January 24, 1908, but his widow still survives him and makes her home in Louisa county, having now attained the age of seventy-four years. Unto them were born nine children. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one daughter, Eliza Berdella, who is the wife of R. L. Singleton, an agriculturist of Louisa county, by whom she has two children, Alma and Ray.

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         Mr. Smith gives his political allegiance to the democracy and has been three times honored by election to the office of sheriff—in 1906, 1908 and 1910. As the county usually has a republican majority of about one thousand his election plainly indicates his popularity and the confidence reposed in him by the general public. It requires a man of courage, strength of character and good judgment to fill the position of sheriff in such a way as to meet the approval of the taxpayers of a county. Mr. Smith has so conducted the office as to merit the commendation of all law-abiding citizens, also prompting a wholesome regard for law throughout the county. Both he and his wife have spent their entire lives in Louisa county and enjoy an extensive and favorable acquaintance within its borders.