This is an attempt to help to know who we are,
and remember where we came from; these are the "Roots" that have
nourished our blossoming trees, allowing us to grow. It is dedicated to
all who have paved the roads for us, and the world we live in.
If any errors are found I would like to correct them, or if you would just like
to tell me about the ancestors you found here, please contact me at: jerrygarrison@yahoo.com
. I do try and reply to all who write. This revision may have
changed a search engine referral page; if so, please click on Surnames, and re-search.
SYLVESTER SMITH, is a farmer and Postmaster, residing on section 3, Wayne Township, Henry Co., Iowa. Only one person, Mrs. Elizabeth Woodruff, antedates our subject in priority of citizenship in Wayne Township. He was born in Lake County, Ohio, March 7, 1831, and is a son of Sylvester and Lucretia (Woodworth) Smith, both natives of Franklin County, Mass. they were perhaps married in. that State, removed later to Warren County, N. Y., and afterward to Lake County, Ohio, where Mr. Smith purchased a tract of woodland, and cleared up a fine farm prior to their removal to Iowa in 1842. Sylvester Smith, Sr., came the year previous and purchased lands, to which the family removed the next spring. A house was erected within a few feet of where the fine residence of our subject now stands, and here for forty-five years the representatives of the honored father have held possession and wielded a power for good, both in the social and business worlds. Nine children were born before the family removed to Iowa, two of whom died in infancy, and a daughter, Eliza, when twenty years of age; and the following six sons comprised the family in 1842: Dexter C., husband of Phoebe Pence, both now deceased; Edward, the husband, first of Celia Schockley, and after her death of Mrs. Fannie (Buffington) Haines, all now deceased; John L., husband of Lucretia C. Woodworth; Elijah P., who wedded Catherine Haines, and after her death Addie Kimbal; Charles A., husband of Margaret Young; and Sylvester. The sons aided in the improvement of the new farm, at that time Wayne and Scott Townships forming one voting precinct, with thirteen polled voters. Through the instrumentality of Sylvester Smith, Sr., Wayne post-office was established in 1851, and he received in August of that year his commission, and a mail service was established between Iowa City and New London, one round trip made each week. Perry Ketchum was the first mail carrier. After the resignation of his father, our subject was appointed Postmaster of Wayne, Nov. 10, 1858, his commission bearing the signature of Aaron V. Brown, Postmaster General, and from that time has held the place, being to-day the oldest continuous Postmaster in the county, having for more than twenty-nine years filled that position.
Charles A. Smith, one of the brothers, was a volunteer in Company G, 11th Iowa, and served from 1862 until the close of the war. He was captured at the battle of Atlanta, July 27, 1864, and was confined in the prison pen at Andersonville for several weeks, but was later sent to Florence where he was exchanged.
Our subject, Sylvester Smith, is the son of a soldier of the War of 1812, and Sylvester Smith, Sr., laid his land warrant, received at that time, after he came to Iowa. He was an able man and one who aided largely in the culture and improvement of this community. Being a professed Christian, a member of the Congregational Church, the family were in attendance at the organization of the Crawfordsville Congregational Church the next Sunday after they came, and when sufficiently strong to organize a church in Wayne Township, both himself and wife aided in its establishment, Sylvester Smith, Sr., becoming its first Deacon, and remaining in that capacity the remainder of his life. The death of that good man occurred Dec. 21, 1863. He was known far and wide as “Yankee Smith,” and was one of the organizers of the Republican party in this county, being an avowed Abolitionist for years. His wife survived until Aug. 13, 1875, having lived to see the principles so long advocated by her husband fully established.
Sylvester Smith, Jr., was married, Feb. 18, 1857, to Miss Delilah J. Coen, of this county, born in Washington County, Ohio, and a daughter of William and Rachel Coen. Both parents are now deceased, and only three of their children are living: James S., who married a lady of Kansas, near Garden City; Susan, wife of Perry Ellis, of Carroll County, Mo.; and Delilah, wife of Mr. Smith.
Since the spring of 1842 our subject has never known any other home but his present; changes, of course, have been made; the roomy mansion has taken the place of the unpretentious home of almost half a century ago; children have been born, reared and married; one generation has passed away, and the second is of mature years, and wealth has come as he and his good wife have grown in years. Five children have graced their home, four now living: Charles S., a resident farmer of this township, wedded to Charlotte Kitch, of Marion Township; Harry K. is the husband of Margaret McKee, and also resides on a farm near the Smith homestead; William E. almost reached the age of manhood ere summoned from earth; Francis I. and Rosa J. are unmarried and still inmates of the parental home. Francis has become an expert telegraph operator, and if his health permitted would make that his business. We are pleased to present this brief sketch of one of the oldest and best known families of the township, as they deserve this recognition of their long, useful, prosperous and happy domestic life within her boundary.
(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp .175-176)(JC)
This page was made possible through the help of many
people.
First, and foremost, I want to thank my ancestors, without whom I wouldn't be
here, and without whom I wouldn't be the same person I am. Second, all of the
people on the Kitch-L list who
have helped and given encouragement, but especially for the major contributions
by Linda (Antram) Smith and Tom Kitch; these two furnished both inspiration and
names and dates, as well as a sounding board for my ideas. In addition I
have had help and support from too many others to name here. It is
appreciated, and as long as we keep living, our genealogy will continue growing.
