Charles W. SMITH, one of the prominent and well-to-do farmers of Des Moines County, Iowa, residing on section 21, Union Township, was born December 15, 1820, in Ross County, Ohio, though he was reared in Fayette County. He is a son of William and Mary (WALKER) SMITH, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Virginia. After the death of her husband, which occurred in 1826, Mrs. SMITH removed with her family to Fayette County, but later made her home with our subject in Des Moines County, where her death occurred in 1860. Mr. and Mrs. SMITH are the parents of five children - John W., who was a soldier of the Mexican War, went to Puget Sound, in Washington Territory, many years ago; one daughter, the widow of Harvey SCHAGS, who resides in Union Township; and our subject.

Charles W. SMITH is truly one of the self-made men of Des Moines County. His father dying when he was but six years of age, he was thus early thrown upon his own resources. Remaining in Fayette County until September, 1837, he went to Vigo County, Ind., where he made his home until November 1, 1841. Thinking that the West would furnish a better field for his labors, he started for Des Moines County, Iowa, and on reaching his destination immediately began working by the day. In 1842, Mr. SMITH rented a farm in Union Township, upon which he remained for two years. In 1843, he began running a threshing-machine, and two years later, going to Alton, Ill., he there purchased a separator and threshing-machine. This machine, which was painted a bright blue color, was the first one of the kind that had been shipped into or used in Des Moines County, and great was the excitement it created. In the fall of 1847, he sold his machine, and in company with J. G. Ewing opened a little store in Dodgeville. Later Mr. SMITH sold out his stock to Jesse WASSOM, and made his first purchase of land, consisting of a small farm southwest of Burlington. In 1854, he sold this tract and purchased 260 acres on sections 21 and 22, Union Township, where he has made his home continuously since.

In October, 1840, Mr. SMITH was united in marriage with Miss Margaret ELLIOTT, a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, and by this union four children were born -- Mary A., deceased, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and one of the leading workers, both in church and Sunday-school, where her loss was severely felt; Henry C. wedded Miss Ellen SALTZMAN, a native of Ringgold County, Iowa, where he is now engaged in farming; John W. wedded Miss Amanda NEWBURG, a native of Des Moines County, Iowa, and he is also a resident farmer of Ringgold County; Charles Frank wedded Miss Josephine ELLIOTT, a daughter of Rev. A. C. ELLIOTT, but in December, 1885, his death occurred. They had one child, a daughter, Frank. Mrs. SMITH, the mother of these children, was called to her last rest, November 26, 1873, after an illness of four years. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. SMITH's home farm in Union Township, consisting of 320 acres, is one of the most highly cultivated in Des Moines County, and all the improvements are the work of his own hands. His success in life has all been due to his own efforts. Starting as he did in this county as a day laborer, by his energy, ability and good management he has gained a comfortable competence and is now the owner of 1040 acres of land, 320 in this county and 720 in Ringgold County, Iowa. In connection with his farming, he has been extensively engaged in raising and shipping stock, in which he was quite successful, and upon this farm may be found a fine grade of cattle, horses and hogs. In his political views, Mr. SMITH is a Democrat, though very liberal. As a citizen, he is honest and upright, and receives the highest respect of all.

SOURCE:  Portrait and Biographical Album Record of Des Moines County, Iowa  Acme Publ. Co. Chicago. 1888.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, December of 2008