born in the Keystone state and died there at an advanced age. John H. Smith lived for many years in Somerset county, where he died in 1862, his widow becoming a resident of McLean county, Illinois, where she passed away in 1872. In the family of John H. and Catherine (Dorn) Smith there were seven children.
Like the others of the household, Captain I. L. Smith was reared and educated in the town of Berlin, Pennsylvania, no event of especial importance occurring to vary the routine of life for him until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when his patriotic spirit was aroused and on the 4th of September, 1861, he joined Company C of the Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry as a private. On the organization of the regiment, however, he was appointed orderly sergeant and continued to serve with that rank until February 1, 1863, when he was commissioned captain and commanded his company until mustered out of service on the 12th of September, 1864. He was a valiant and fearless soldier, and his creditable military record entitled him throughout life to recognition for what he had done for his country.
Following his return north after being honorably discharged Captain Smith resolved to seek a home in the middle west and in November, 1864, removed to McLean county, Illinois, where he carried on farming until 1869. At that date he removed to Story county, Iowa, settling at Ames, where he lived until called to public office, at which time he removed to the county seat.
Captain Smith was always an ardent republican and stanchly advocated its political views and belief. He was appointed to the position of deputy clerk of the courts and served in that capacity most acceptably from March, 1875, until January 1, 1877. In the fall of 1876 he was elected clerk of the courts of Story county, and no better testimonial of his fidelity and ability can be given than the fact that he was four times reelected to this office, serving in the clerk's office in all for twelve years. He was a popular official, and his record at all times manifested the wisdom displayed on the part of his fellow townsmen who gave to him their political support.
On the 9th of September, 1857, Captain Smith was united in marriage to Miss Harriet King who was born in Pennsylvania, September 1, 1839, a daughter of John R. and Catherine King, of the Keystone state. Captain and Mrs. Smith became the parents of five children: Marcellus King, a real-estate man of Ames, Iowa ; Charles C., who is living in Kansas City, Missouri ; William L.; Allen O., who was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, April 2, 1863, and died in Chicago, March 23, 1898, leaving a widow; and John Henry, of Kansas City. Charles, William L. and John Henry are all connected with the Union Abstract & Guaranty Company, the first named being president, and the last named being vice president of the company.
Captain Smith was a Mason, belonging to Nevada Lodge, No. 99, A. F. & A. M.; Three Times Three Chapter, No. 92, R. A. M.; and Excalibur