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) 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.
After just a few successful trips between the cities, the Brazil sank near the upper rapids of the Mississippi. After his mining days, Orrin took what he had learned from his ship and became a steamboat captain. In the 1870s with his ship the Nominee, Orrin settled the town of Winona, Minnesota during one of his voyages. In 1827, Orrin married the daughter of Stephen LANGWORTHY, Mary Ann.
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Source:
"Orrin Smith." Linwood Legacies. Online: http://www.linwoodlegacies.org/orrin-smith.html