Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
SMITH, Orrin
SMITH, Orrin. (New York, Oct. 30, 1806 – October 30, 1881) In 1827, Orrin married the daughter of Stephen LANGWORTHY, Mary Ann.
Smith partnered with James LANGWORTHY when he struck the “Langworthy lode," one of the biggest deposits of lead found in this area. With the profits of the venture ($22,000), Solon and Orrin created the first steamboat, Brazil, to travel the MISSISSIPPI RIVER in the winter of 1837. It was used to make trips between Cincinnati and Dubuque. (1)
After just a few successful trips between the cities, the Brazil sank near the upper rapids of the Mississippi.
In 1852 Smith and others attempted to establish the town on Montezuma in southern Minnesota. This was before the treaty with the SIOUX had been signed, however and the enterprise failed. In 1855 the ground on which Winona, Minnesota was later built was entered by a special act of Congress and then transferred to its original proprietors--including Smith. He then entered the business of banking and real estate as Orrin Smith & Sons. (2)
Smith returned to shipping, however, by 1859. He was the president of a packet company which operated the Northern Belle. (3)
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Source:
1. "Orrin Smith." Linwood Legacies. Online: http://www.linwoodlegacies.org/orrin-smith.html
2. "Southern Minnesota," Weekly Express and Herald, August 12, 1857, p. 4
3. "State News," Express & Herald, March 9, 1859, p. 4