Tamico Tornado
March 3, 1905
HARLOW SMITH IS DEAD
Well Known Farmer, Stockman And Pioneer Died Monday Evening.
Harlow SMITH, one of the most widely known farmers and stock raisers of the country and a pioneer of Rock river valley died at his home in Hume five miles northwest of here Monday evening about 9 o'clock. He had been sick for five months being confined to his bed most of the time. The funeral services were held Wednesday at 1 o'clock at the farm home, Rev. J.G. ARMSTRON officiating. Internment was in the Tampico cemetery. The pall bearers were: R. OLDS, John WETZELL, L.A. WHEELOCK, Fred VanDeMARK, Frank LEE and C.W. BLACKBORN.
In the passing of Harlow SMITH one of the energetic old settlers who conquered and converted the broad virgin prairies into pleasant homes, is no more and although gone his toil, industry and energy will be monumented by the peaceful happy homes now clustered over the prairies.
He was born in Toronto, Canada, May 19, 1830. On leaving Canada in 1849, Mr. SMITH came to Whiteside county at Prophetstown.
In Lyndon Dec. 3, 1854, Mr. SMITH was united in marriage with Mis Louisa POPE. They began their domestic life in Prophetstown, where they made their home for xxx xxx and then rented a farm adjoining to Mr. SMITH's place. Mr. SMITH's first purchase consisted of eighty acres of land in Tampico township which he fenced, broke and improved with good buildings, but after residing thereon for about five years, he removed to his present home on section 34, where he owns a large tract. At that time he bought it there was only a small house and the land was in primitive condition.
With this start,. Mr. SMITH xxx xxx xxrise and thrift, improved xxx xxx xxx xxx elegent home xx xxx xx xxx xxx and improved other farms, and it was one of the leading hand owners and successful farmers of Whiteside county.
He was the owner of one of the first steam threshers in the county and successfully engaged in the threshing business for forty-nine years. In the early days he also broke prairie with ox teams for a number of years. He has also devoted considerable time in breeding and raising a fine grade of Hambletonian horses and at one time had about sixty head at his farm.
Mr. SMITH was a staunch member of the Republican party, and has been called upon to serve as high commisoner and school director, Mr. SMITH was a good citizen. He not only advanced his individual prosperity, but promoted the material welfare of the community in which he lived.
Mr. SMITH is mourned by his wife and six children, four daughters and two sons, Mrs. Fred BROWN of Hume, Mrs. R.B. SMITH of Prophetstown, Mrs. James FARREL of Prophetstown, Mrs. James FARRELL of Prophetstown, Mrs. T.L. ROUNDs of Tampico, William N., who lives at home, and Herbert H., who lives in Erie.