Medal of Honor Recipient Henry I. Smith including Freedom Rock
Captain Smith (1840-1910) of the 7th Iowa Infantry, was awarded the Medal of Honor for rescuing a soldier who was swept by the current down the Black River in North Carolina on March 15, 1865. This was done in enemy territory at great risk to Capt. Smith. He was born in England and his family moved to a farm in Cerro Gordo County in 1854. After the war, he returned to farming, then became County Treasurer and later entered the banking business. He is buried in the Elmwood-St. Josephs Cemetery on the south side of Mason City. It is on the west side of Highway 65. He is buried in "Block 2 Original" on the west side of the cemetery. These photos were taken 3/27/09.

In the Fall of 2018, the Cerro Gordo County Freedom Rock was completed. It was painted by Ray "Bubba" Sorensen and honors Captain Smith. It is located at Main Avenue and 8th Street in Clear Lake. Thanks to Walt Busch for notification and sending photos in October, 2021.