Smalley - Alfred
Source: AW Bowen History of Montgomery Co IN. Indianapolis, Indiana, p 1191
One of the well remembered citizens of a past generation in the SE part of Montgomery County who was rich in the essentials of noble manhood and who always aimed to live up to his highest ideals of duty was the late Alfred Smalley, one of the leading farmers, stock dealers and business men of this locality for a number of decades. His career was singularly free from the faults which usually characterize men of his prominence, but so far as known, he passed over the Great Divide without leaving an enemy behind. He was a man who forged his way to the front in his chosen lines of endeavor and at the same time he never sought to advance himself on the wrecks of others, but was helpful to his neighbors and associates and did much to encourage general progress in his community along all lines. Such men are blessings to any county and when they are called hence their places are never satisfaction filled and they are sadly missed. Alfred SMALLEY was born Nov 13, 1840 in Bourbon Co Ky. He was a son of Jackson and Emily COMBS Smalley. He came with his parents to Indiana when 7 or 8 years old, the family locating in Putnam County, and there Alfred Smalley grew to manhood.
On November 22, 1863, he married Elizabeth BROOKSHIRE, daughter of Swan Brookshire and wife. She was born in1845 in Scott T0wnshipp, Montgomery County where she grew to womanhood, in fact, spent her life. She is still living and is now the wife of Josephus Graybill, of Ladoga. Three children were born to our subject and wife, namely: Mrs. Emma FOSTER, widow of Newton Foster; John T. SMALLEY of Ladoga; one child died in early life. After his marriage Alfred Smalley took up general farming in Scott Township, and in connection with his farm he bought and sold livestock. He and his wife owned 120 acres of good land and they had a comfortable home.
He was a member of the Primitive Baptist church of which he was clerk for a period of 24 years and a leader in the church. Politically, he was a Democrat, but was not a public man. Mr. Smalley assisted in the organization of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Ladoga and he remained a stockholder until his death. After he passed away his wife succeeded him as clerk of the local church and continued to perform these duties just as acceptably. In November 1905, she became the wife of Josephus Graybill a farmer and she is living in Ladoga at this writing.
A sketch of Mr. Graybill appears herein. John T. Smalley, mentioned above, lives in Ladoga and he follows farming, raises excellent horses and also buys and ships horses in large numbers, having built up quite an extensive business and has met with pronounces success in this field of endeavor. He is one of the best known stock men in the county. He married Lillie OVERSTREET, daughter of Samuel W. and Mary J. AYRES Overstreet. He owns a substantial modern residence in Ladoga. Politically, he is Democrat. He is a good mixer and is popular with those with whom he comes into contact. - typed by kbz