Irvin Daniel Smith was born on Dec. 5, 1892 in Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Co., the fourth son of Daniel and Catherine (Bock) Smith. Tragically, his mother died when he was 2 years old. His father never remarried and a housekeeper, Susannah Wilhelm helped raise him. In 1902 the family moved to St. Joseph in Huron Co. His father apparently was a cruel strict disciplinarian and in 1907 Irvin ran away from home at age 15. He obtained a job in Exeter working for the railroad selling apples and newspapers on the train. It was several years before he returned to Hay Township. He came back when he had a well-paying job (in the US), had a new suit, and could bring Christmas presents for everyone. He apparently worked for a car dealership in an area of Michigan populated by many families of German descent. The salesmen would have Irvin translate for them. A U.S. Immigration Form, dated Dec. 27, 1911, at Detroit Mich., listing Irvin's age as 19. His permanent address at that time was Paulding, Ohio, where he worked as a chauffeur for the Northern Ohio Land Co. It also stated that he had been a resident of the U.S. since 1909.

Irvin returned to school at Westervelt Business College in London where he met a young teacher, Mildred Gillies. They were married on Jan. 22, 1916 in Ailsa Craig, Ont. While honeymooning in Michigan they visited Mildred's Aunt and Irvin was offered a sales job. They settled in Bay City, Mich. but 2 years later moved to Hamilton where Mildred's family had relocated.

Irvin (known as I.D.) was in sales (automotive parts and batteries) his whole life and travelled extensively. He represented Auto-Lite Battery Co. and from 1942 until his death was with the Wartime Prices & Trade Board in Hamilton. He was a loving father to his three daughters – Kaye, Marj and Mim. He died on May 19, 1947 at the age of 54, in Hamilton