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JOHN SMITH, farmer, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1833, and came to America in 1855, landing in Canada,
where he remained several years, then coming to this township, where he purchased the farm he now occupies from
his brother, who took the land up in 1854. Mr. Smith was one of the very earliest pioneers, and when he took up
his residence there was not another family within twelver miles of him. He had considerable transactions with the
Indians,. knowing a number of those who were hung for participation in the New Ulm massacre. He has had his slumbers
frequently broken by the war whoop of the savage and the howl of the wolf. For miles surrounding him not a road
was opened or a settlement made, and he had often to depend upon the chase for food. With but $10 to start upon,
Mr. Smith has by indefatigable energy and perseverance obtained a handsome competence, being one of the wealthiest
men in the township. In 1862 he married Abby Ann Ripley, by whom he has had eight, children, five sons and three
daughters. Ever since he was ten years of age circumstances forced him to earn his own livelihood, he managing
in face of many difficulties to educate himself sufficiently to transact his business and hold his own with others.
Mr. Smith is a staunch republican, and, though not taking any prominent part in politics, has always been an active
worker.
FROM:
The History of Winona County
Together with Biographical Matter, Statistics, Etc.
BY: A. T. Andreas
H. H. Hill and Company, Publishers
Chicago 1883.
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