www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com
25 Jul 2005
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885 Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL
Transcribed by Brandi McLoughlin Alfred Smith, senior member of the firm of Smith & Bro., hardware merchants at Tampico, was born May 30, 1847, in Devonshire, England. His father came with his family to America in 1851, and settled in the Wyoming Valley in Luzerne Co., PA. After a few years another removal was effected, to Kankakee City, Ill., where themother died, July 4, 1882, aged 62. The father is married again and is still a resident of that place. Mr. Smith was brought up principally in Kankakee, and was there educated. He also learned the business of a tinner before he was 20 years of age, serving an apprenticeship of two years with Kerr Bros. of that place. After spending one year as a "jour" he entered into an association with James Porch, and they established their business at Chebanse, eight miles from Kankakee. Their paartnership was in existence three years. Meanwhile Mr. Smith was married Oct. 11, 1870, at Kaneville, Kane Co., Ill., to Sadie Lewis. Mrs. Smith was born in Elsie, Clinton Co. Mich., Oct. 8, 1855. Her father was a Baptist minister, and removed when she was 14 years of age to Illinois, and after several changes settled in Kaneville. They now reside in Rock Island County. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two children: Ina, born July 16, 1871, and Earle, born Jan. 2, 1879. Mr. Smith became a citizen of Tampico in 1872, when he established his business at that place. He was built up a prosperous and extnesive trade, which is still increasing in popularity. He is the owner of 12 village lots. In 1884 Mr. Smith admitted his brother to a partnership with him, and the firm style became as stated. Mr. Smith is a Republican in political principle and connection. He has served as member of the Village Board, and also as School Director. He is a Deacon in the Baptist Church, and is also a Trustee of the Society. Mrs. Smith is a member of the same communion
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