Ira J. Smith farm grain stacks, circa 1890

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Index card notes that this image is probably the farm of Ira J. Smith, father of Charles Smith. Ira Smith was born in Vermont and came to Pierce County in 1868. He married Harriet Lawrence in 1868 and they had seven children. Harriet died in 1898. An individual identified as "LF" [likely Letha Foster] notes that when Ira and his two brothers first came to Pierce County they intended just to pass through and settle in Minnesota. However, it was November and as they entered the county from Eau Galle they ran into a snowstorm. They sought shelter from a settler who, as luck would have it, wanted to leave the area. They traded a team of horses, a wagon, and some cash for the homestead rights. Pictured, left to right: Ira J. Smith, John Smith (in background), Maud Smith, Harriet "Hattie" Smith, Irene Smith, and Minnie Pettis Smith