SMITH, THOMAS BRENNAN (1855-1902), Clinton, was a native of Peoria, Ill. He was the son of Andrew Brennan, who died when he was a babe. His mother soon afterward married Andrew S. Smith, father of James S. Smith of Plover, and the name of Smith was adopted. In 1870, he came with his father to Pocahontas county and continued to reside in it until his death at 48 in 1902. In 1878, he married Julia Nemechk who died at his home on sec. 29. He left on daughter, Mary, who lives with her grandmother, Mrs. Nemecek.

Tom Smith was a pioneer character whose acquaintance or fame was not confined to Pocahontas county. During the early days he kept large herds of cattle on the prairies and as the years passed became possessor of 560 acres in Clinton township. His tastes were extremely primitive and during the summer months he scorned to wear anything on his feet. He made his trips to the neighboring towns and even to the cities without any special change of clothing. As a trader in hay and cattle he did a large business each year. He was a hard and persistent worker, often disregarding the time of day. He experienced the hardships of the pioneer through many years of wearing and wearisome labor.

He was a brother of Mrs. John H. Oldaker and Mrs. John Bush, a half brother of James S. Smith, a cousin of H. C. Barnes, and was related to the Nemecek brothers and Volutka families.