Daniel B. D. Smeltzer, one of the progressive business men and the present police judge of Iola, was born Sept. 11, 1840, at Middletown, Frederick county, Maryland. Daniel Smeltzer, his father, was born at the same place and followed agricultural pursuits all his life. He married Mary Ann Barber House, who was born in Frederick county, Maryland, in 1844. Daniel was reared in Maryland and received his education in the public schools of Middletown. At the age of twenty he went to Cambridge City, Wayne county, Indiana, and taught school for a year. Returning to Maryland he taught several terms until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he enlisted in May, 1864, in Company B, Eleventh Maryland infantry, which was commanded by Capt. James H. B. Otto. Mr. Smeltzer was in the battle of Monocacy Junction, on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, and several other small engagements. Subsequently his regiment served as guard along the Potomac river, along the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, and at Fortress Monroe. He was mustered out of the service in October, 1864. After leaving the army Mr. Smeltzer moved to Markanda, Jackson county, Illinois, where he became interested in raising fruit. Within a few years he sold his orchard and returned to Maryland, bought a farm and lived there for twelve years. In 1879 he sold his land in Maryland and came to Kansas. The next year he bought land in Allen county, began to deal in cattle and raise stock, but two years later moved into Iola in order to educate his children. He became interested in land and is now an extensive dealer in real estate, which occupation he has followed for over twenty-six years. Mr. Smeltzer is progressive, takes an interest in all local affairs, has been elected justice of the peace several times and served four terms as police judge, which position he now occupies. In politics he is known as a stanch Republican, of the progressive type. Mr. Smeltzer belongs to Iola Lodge, No. 21, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, McCook Post, No. 51, Grand Army of the Republic, Neosho Lodge, No. 43, Knights of Pythias, of which he was keeper of the records and seals for a number of years, also a member of Iola Lodge, No. 98, Ancient Order of United Workmen and Iola Council, No. 73, Knights and Ladies of Security.

On Oct. 25, 1866, Mr. Smeltzer married Mary Elizabeth, the daughter of George T. Whip of Jefferson, Frederick county, Maryland. He was a prominent man in that county, having been judge for a number of years. Five children were born to Daniel and Mary Smeltzer: Lola May, George D., Nellie Grant and Lucy M., were born in Maryland; the youngest, Charles E., was born in Allen county, Kansas; Charles served in General Funston's regiment, the Twentieth Kansas, as a sergeant during the Spanish-American war, and received a slight wound in the ankle from a piece of a shell. He is now a medical student at the University of Chicago. The family are members of the Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Smeltzer has acted as trustee for twelve years and is now and has been for years clerk of the congregation.