Clay Co., KS AHGP-Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties-Jacob Smies


Portrait and Biographical Album
of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties
Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1890




JACOB H. SMIES. Among the citizens of�Clay County, few have shown more enterprise than the above-named gentleman,�whose pleasant home is located on section 18, Clay Township. Having acquired a good trade in his early life, he began work as a journeyman at a salary of $40 per year and board, and was obliged not only to clothe himself, but at times assisted his parents as their needs required. From this humble beginning grew a financial success sufficient to allow of his purchase of an entire section of land, when in 1883 he became a resident of this county. The splendid farm which he now occupies, consists of 453 acres of valuable land, the balance of thesection which he formerly owned having been sold.

Mr, Smies is a son of Frederick W. and Elizabeth M. Smies, of Hanover, Germany. The mother was the oldest of six daughters, born to Henry Smies, and according to the law in Hanover at the time of her marriage, her husband assumed her surname on account of her owning the property. This worthy couple emigrated to America in 1845, bringing with them a family of two sons and three daughters. Our subject was at that time nine years old, he having been born April 20, 1836, and having in his native land laid a good foundation for an education in his mother tongue. The family took passage at Bremerhaven on the sailing vessel �Schiller," and after an ocean voyage of thirty three days landed in Baltimore, whence they went directly to Ohio, via Pittsburg. Their inland journey occupied about eleven days, the objective point being Cleveland, and the trip being made principally by canal-boats and cars. After a short residence in Cleveland, they moved to a farm about seven miles east of that city, where they remained six years, when they again returned to the Forest City. There the mother died in 1854, the father surviving until 1883, when he too passed away.

The gentlemen of whom we write continued his education after arriving in America, by attendance in a school conducted by the Lutheran Church,where he followed up his studies in his native language. His knowledge of English is the result of his unaided efforts, and his contact with the English speaking citizens. Having remained with his father on a farm until 1850, Mr. Smies entered a confectionery establishment in Cleveland, and spent three years in learning the trade, and management of the business. The following two anda half years were spent in the employ of his former master, Nichols Heisel. He then went to Philadelphia, Pa., where he continued as a journeyman working at his trade.

Mr. Smies began business for himself in 1860, remaining in Philadelphia three years, after whichhe returned to Cleveland and there conducted his business until 1881. The two years following werespent by him retired from active business life, and he then came to Kansas. After purchasing the section of uncultivated land in Blaine Township, hebecame identified with the farming community, andturning his common sense and powers of observationto good account in the intelligent cultivation of the same. His splendid farm and pleasant surroundings are a standing monument to his industry and good management.

The lady who has been Mr. Smies' companion and counselor for many years, bore the maiden name of Louisa Miller, and is a native of Baden,Germany, where her eyes opened to the light April 1, 1842. The ceremony which united them took place March 24, 1860, and their union has been blessed by the birth of seven children. Special pains have been taken in the education of their offspring,and their marked intelligence well repays the care which has been bestowed upon them. Frederick, the eldest child, is now a book-keeper in Cleveland Ohio. He was graduated from the Annapolis Naval Academy, and subsequently spent two years on a cruise. Owing to there being a surplus of naval officers at that time, a law was passed by Congress under which young Smies, together with all of his class but ten, were discharged. Helen, the only daughter, was graduated at Oberlin College, Ohio; Louis, is like his elder brother, a book-keeper in Cleveland; Henry is engaged with his father on the farm ; Edward is clerking in the postoffice at Clay Center; George and Herman complete the family circle.

Mr. Smies is not a member of any religious body, but contributes to the support of the Presbyterian Church at Clay Center, which the family attends. He is a stanch Republican, firmly believing the principles of that party are best calculated to develop the industries and character of the nation.

He has served his fellow-citizens as a member of the School Board of his district. He is identified with the I. O. O. F. at Clay Center, and he and his family are active members of society, and highly respected by their fellow-citizens.



(c) 2004 Sheryl McClure for Clay County KS AHGP