Treasurer

Elias J. Hauser succeeded Solon F. Benson, in 1875.   He was re-elected in 1877, and served two terms.  He is a son of T. N. Hauser, of the township of Union, and one of its earliest settlers, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere.

Mr. Hauser was born in Indiana, in 1845, and came to Hardin county, with his parents, in 1850.  He was elected to the office of County Treasurer of Hardin county in 1875, which office he held four years.  In March, 1880, he purchased one-half interest in the lumber business of John Hall.  The present firm was formed in February, 1882.  His wife was Miss Hattie Sargent, formerly a teacher in the public school in Eldora.

Samuel Smith was the first Treasurer and Recorder of the county.   He was first elected in the spring of 1853, and served four years. 

Samuel Smith is one of the pioneers of Hardin county, his residence in the county dating from May 1, 1850.  Mr. Smith was born in Ohio, in 1816.  He removed with his parents to Indiana, when but eight years of age, and afterward to Illinois.  His residence in Iowa dates from the fall of 1840.  He built a cabin and passed the following winter in Washington county.  In the spring of 1841 he went to Johnson county, where he made a location and resided about four years.  He removed to Keokuk county in 1844, and, as before remarked, came to Hardin county in May, 1850.   He made a claim, in that year, on sections 21 and 22, in the township of Eldora, where he resided for several years.  On the organization of the county, in 1853, Mr. Smith was elected Recorder and Treasurer of the county; a position he held for five years.   On his retiring from the office of Treasurer and Recorder, he resumed farming; but about the time of the breaking out of the rebellion, he engaged in the grocery business in Eldora, which he followed till 1879.

Mr. Smith was married to Mary Ann, daughter of Joshua Bland.   Mrs. Smith is a native of Virginia.  Mr. and Mrs. Smith have had twelve children, only five of whom (four sons and one daughter) are living.  Their children are as follows:  William H., now a resident of Grundy county, was a member of the 9th Iowa Cavalry during the rebellion; Hannah J., now Mrs. W. W. Brooks, of Grundy county; Jacob K., in Dakota; Charles W., also in Dakota, and Ellis M.  Their deceased children died in infancy.

Mr. Smith is known as an honest, upright citizen, and is a worthy representative of the pioneer element of Hardin county.  At the organization of the Old Settlers' Society of Hardin county, July 22, 1882, Mr. Smith was chosen President for one year.