Rev. S. SMITH, farmer, section 2, Monroe Township, was born November 10, 1816, in County Wicklow, Delganey, Parish of Shehana, Ireland, son of William and Henrietta (SARGENT) SMITH, who were the parents of eight children. When he was three years of age his father came to Canada, and died two years later. Mr. SMITH was then taken to Franklin county, New York, where his early life was spent at farm labor. Two years of this time he was in a grog shop, poisoning and dealing out liquor by the glass. He obtained his education by hard study at home, at night by the light of the fire, attending school only three months in his life.

He was married December 20, 1838, to Miss Mary LAMPHER, born in St. Lawrence County, New York, who died in 1873.

He united with the Methodist Episcopal church in 1836, and afterward united with the Methodist Protestant church. He was licensed to preach in 1841, and in 1844 he removed to Ohio where he preached the gospel as a circuit rider. In 1849 he removed to Sangamon County, Illinois, where he resided seven years, engaged in the cause of his Master, traveling over the northern part of the State. In 1857 he came to Buchanan County, Iowa, where he did much hard work in the cause of Christianity. In 1876 he came to Ringgold County, and settled in Monroe Township, where he has since resided.

He has a farm of eighty acres in a good state of cultivation and well improved, a comfortable house, an orchard of 120 trees, native stock, and everything about the premises looks cozy and home-like.

In November, 1875, he was married to Mrs. Sarah NELSON, a lady of more than ordinary intelligence, who was a widow with five children - Charles W., Clara, Effie, Nettie, and Katie.

Mr. SMITH has preached the gospel about thirty years, and has been able to do a great deal of work in his Master's cause. His specialty is "the defense of truth against false doctrines." He has always taken an active interest in anything pertaining to the cause of religion and education, and is a zealous worker in the cause of temperance. His theological studying was done mainly on horseback.

SOURCES:
Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, p. 288, 1887.

WPA Graves Survey

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2009

Biographical Sketches Pages Index: A - F,   G - L,   M - R,  S - Z