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biography from Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
WILLIAM SMALL, a resident of Pleasant Grove Township, was born in the State of North Carolina, May 13, 1819, and removed with his parents to Iowa in the year 1833, locating in Lee County, where he remained for a period of ten years, coming thence to this county in 1843, where he has since resided. June 3, 1841, he was united in marriage with Miss Susanna Miller, a native of Virginia, who was born Jan. 19, 1822. By this union there were the following children: Isaac lives in the State of Kansas; Thomas A., William and Susanna are deceased; one died in infancy. Mrs. Small died Nov. 30, 1850, and July 10, 1851, he was again married, Miss Sarah A. Simpkins becoming his wife. She was a native of Virginia and was born May 18, 1836. By this latter marriage there have been four children: Nancy J. is deceased; John L. lives in Fleasant Grove Township; James, in the State of Kansas, and Mary E., the wife of Marion Bradley, resides in this township. Mr. Small met with a severe accident Oct. 22, 1886, resulting in the loss of one of his eyes. He was sowing grass seed, which was in the chaff, and some of the chaff blew in his left eye. He suffered greatly until December 7, when the eyeball was removed by Dr. C. J. Lukens, of New Sharon; assisted by Dr. Cook, of Poweshiek County. This was done in order to save the other eye, which was being affected. Mrs. Small is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Small is a member of the Democratic party. He is the owner of forty acres of good land in a good state of cultivation. He is one among the earliest settlers of the county, coming to its borders shortly after the Indians had vacated the New Purchase, and has witnessed the mighty changes that have occurred since that time. He is well and favorably known, and enjoys the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy