The Smith Families of Stark County, Ohio

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As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

BENJAMIN F. SMITH, farmer; P. O. Canton; is a son of George E. Smith, who was a native of the Ke\'Stone State, and oame to Stark Co. with his parents while young. He was apprenticed to the tanner's trade, and after serving his apprenticeship carried on the business for thirty-five years in Lake Tp., where he accumulated considera)le money, which he invested in land, and was at the time of his death one of the largest landholders in Stark Co. He died in 1879 at the age of 80 years. His widow (she who was Sarah Christ) is still alive. They were the parents of eight children, our subject being the fifth child, and was born in Lake Tp., Stark Co., O., Aug. 5, 1838. His youth was spent on the farm, where he lived until he was 23 years of age. He then bought the farm he now lives on, consisting of 90 acres of well improved land, and has worked diligently on the same until it now ranks amongthe best in improvements, it being rented for thirty-two years before he purchased it. In 1870 he married Harriet, daughter of John and Nancy Smith, of Canton Tp., who bore him three children, viz: — George E., Jessie May Bell, and Stella I. Mr. Smith is a Republican, and in 18f52 and 'Go fought for his country in Co. B, 11.5 Regiment, O. V. I.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

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J. B. SiVnTH, farmer; P. O. Massillon; was born on the farm he now lives upon Feb. 15. 1835, second son of Benjamin and Maiy (Coder) Smith; was raised on the farm, and to farming pursuits. May 3. 1856, he was united in marriage to Julia Rempis, who was born Fel). 1(3, 1834, in Coshocton Co., Ohio, daughter of Lewis and Louisa (Biu'ke) Rempis, who were natives of Germany, and were early settlers in this county. Subsequent to his marriage, he moved to Fayette Co., Ill., where he was engaged in farming pm-suits for six years, returning to this township in 1865, and has since been residing on the homestead. Of five children born to him, four are living: Lucy O., William J., Harvey B. and Frankie J. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church. The Smith family are loyal Republicans.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

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Lutheran Chivrch and a Jackson Democrat; his death occurred about the year 1864 Of the family of the children born him, now living, are John and Joseph, who reside in this township; Anna, married Christian Niesz, in Canton; Sarah, Mrs. Thomas Van Horn, of Canton; and David, who resides on the homestead farm, in Canton Township. For several years. Jacob Smith, the father of the above, ran an oil-mill where the Canton waterworks are; his wife died about 1856. Joseph remained with his parents until 1836; he then farmer, renting land several years. Oct. 12, 1831), he married Nancy Biu'ger, who was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Jan. 4, 1816, being the youngest child born to Peter Burger and Elizabeth Wert, to whom were born nine children. In the winter of 1840, Mr. Smith located on the farm he now owns; had 400 acres, which he has sold off until he now has 150. The children born him are Alonzo, Darwin, Cyrus, Jacob L., Emma J., Senora C. and Mary A. Emma married Jolm Sponsler; Senora, !\Irs. John Freeman. Mr. Smith is a member of the Reformed Church.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

DAVID SMITH. Canton Township is the home of many successful farmers, but none more prosperous than the gentleman above named, who is one of the wealthy residents of the county, owning and operating a fine estate just outside the corporate limits of the city of Canton. It consists of one hundred acres on section 8, all of which is under excellent tillage and improved with all that goes to make up a well-cultivated farm. A visitor to his home will see that he has not only erected good buildings, and has his farm well supplied with modern machinery, but that he keeps excellent grades of stock.

Our subject, who is a son of Jacob Smith, was born on his present farm September 16, 1826. His father was born in Pennsylvania and was of German descent. He was a farmer by occupation and came to this State as early as 1814, making the journey overland with a wagon. His first location was east of Canton, whence he later removed to what is now the property of our subject. The country roundabout at that time was sparsely settled and in a wild condition.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

NELSON J. SMITH, farmer; P. O. Massillon; born in June, 183", in Luzerne Co., Penn., the third of the family born to his parents, who were Benjamin Smith and Mary Coder; he was born in Pennsylvania in 1800; son of Phineas Smith, a native of Mai-land. To Benjamin Smith and wife were born nine children. Mai'y was a daughter of Henry Coder, who served in the war of 1812. Benjamin Smith came to Stark County, locating in Perry Township, in 1830, purchasing 160 acres of unimproved land, upon which he remained until his death, which occurred in November, 1873; he was for fifty years a member of the Methodist Church; his father was a local preacher. IVIrs. Smith also was a faithful member of her husband's church; she died April, 1844. Nelson J. remained on the home fai-m until April, 1854, when he married Matilda Wesener, who was born in the city of Philadelphia Sept. 11, 1833, daughter of Christian Wesener, who was born in Westphalia, Gennany, in 1776, the youngest of a family of twelve children. The father of Mrs. Smith was educated for a priest; his father was a prominent man of that time; he had a son who served in King William's army, and was said to be seven feet in height. Christopher Wesener, not liking the idea of being raised in priesthood, left, and came to the Isle of Demerara, where he had one child born, Vincent, the eldest child of his family. The mother of Mrs. Smith was Charlotte Bnekius Smith, being the youngest child. His second wife was Margaret Buckius. Christopher Wesener was an excellent chemist; after leaving the Isle of Demerara, he located in Roseville, in the subiu'bs of Philadelphia, where he followed his profession. Mr. Buckius, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Smith, was a native of Germany, and a Mason; while on his voyage to this county. the vessel was fiOT tiikon by pirates, and ho about tki he killed, but making the mystic sign of his order, his life was spared and wiis put off on an island. Mrs. Smith came to (,'anton in 184(1; one yeai" lat(>r, came to this township, and has since remained. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two children, Anna W. and Emma C. All of the family im members of the Methodist Episcojial Cluu'ch. Mr. Smith has been a constant resident of the township since his birth, and lived adjoining to the homestead farm.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JAMES B. SMITH. Stark County is fortunate in that the farmers who form such an important proportion of her population are in general a highly intelligent, energetic, thrifty, and business-like set of men. Of one of these, James B. Smith, we write. His farming operations center on section 32, Perry Township, where he has eighty acres of land under good cultivation, and supplied with all the necessary improvements that go to make up a desirable farm. Our subject was born February 15, 1835, is a native of this county, and the son of Benjamin and Marv (Coder) Smith, natives of Pennsylvania. The Coder family were among the earlier pioneers of this township, having located upon new land in this section in 1818. The father of our subject emigrated overland with a team to this county in 1830, in company with his parents, and after arriving herein Stark County, resided for a short time in Bethlehem, now Navarre, when it contained but a few houses. He later removed to the farm which is the present home of our subject, which he set industriously about clearing and improving. Of the large family of children of which he was the father, three are now living, viz.: Our subject; Frances, the wife of AVilliam Paden, and Hairiet. Of the second union of Benjamin Smith, there were born two children, Charles K., and Mary, the latter of whom is deceased.

The father of our subject was a prominent and influential member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and contributed liberally toward the ei'action of the new church building. In early life, he was a Democrat in politics, but later, finding that he had sufficient cause for changing his views, joined the ranks of the Republican party, with which he voted until his decease, which occurred December 11, 1871. The mother of our subject departed this Ijfe January 15, 1846, and was, like her husband, a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

James B. Smith, of this sketch, received his education in the pioneer log schoolhouse in the vicinity of his home, and rendered his father great assistance in clearing the farm and placing it under good tillage. He is now residing upon the old homestead, and has devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits, in which calling he has been more than ordinarily successful. Mr. Smith was always greatly interested in local affairs, and for many years served as an efficient member of the School Board, and during his administration many changes were made in the school system, and Imihlings were erected to accommodate the growing population.

May 1, 1856, Mr. Smith and Miss Julia Rempis were united in marriage. The lady, who is the daughter of Lewis and Louisa (Burk) Reinpis, was born in Massillon, February 16, 1834. She has become the mother of five children, namely: Abuer, who is deceased; Olive L., a teacher in Albany, N. Y.; William N., who is residing in Montgomery County, Mo.; Harvey B. and Franklin.T., are at home.

As before stated, our subject owns eight acres of land, and during his life possessed those traits of character that won consideration and confidence. Hei is an active politician, a thoroughly good Republican, and one who interested himself in all that concerned his township. He is a prominent member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Massillon, and is identified with its every good work.

The parents of Mrs. Smith had a family of seven children, of whom four are living: Charles; Amelia, Mrs. Smith; Henry, and Catherine, Mrs. Daniel Rager. Mr. and Mrs. Rempis were born in Wurtemberg, German_y, and were members in good standing of the Lutheran Church.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

ELI SMITH, farmer; P. O. Middle Branch; was born in Franklin Co., Pa., January, 1815, being the fifth in a family of eleven children born to Daniel and Mary Smith, who were natives of the above named county. Daniel was a farmer, and in 1825 he came to Ohio, settling on a farm in Stark Co.; he cleared the farm and lived on the same until 1850, when he departed this life at the age of 82 years; his wife died in 1851. At an advanced age, Eli, the subject of this sketch, came to Plain Tp., when but 10 years old; he lived on the farm until he was 19, when he apprenticed himself to the tanner's trade, which trade he has worked at from 1833 up to the present time. In 1855 he purchased 160 acres of the old homestead, and has remained on the same up to the present time. He now owns 260 acres of valuable land in Stark Co. In 1840 he united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of George Kreighbaum, of Stark Co. From that marriage there have lici-n eleven children, eight of whom are living: Abram, George, Daniel, Lewis, Frank, Harvey, Catharine and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a Democrat, and has held many offices of trust in the township.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

DANIEL S. SMITH, one of the wealthy and most prominent farmers in Stark County, has a fine estate in Plain Township, where he is engaged in tilling the soil to good advantage. By the exercise of thrift and prudence in the management of his affairs, by skill and strict attention to his calling, he has placed himself in the front rank among the progressive agriculturists of this section.

A native of this county, our subject was born on section 5, Canton Township, September 12, 18;58, and is the son of John.1. Smith, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1811. Grandfather Daniel Smith was also a native of the Keystone State, and on coming to this State in a very early day, made the trip over the mountains with wagon and team. His first location was made in Plain Township, on the property now occupied by Eli Smith, his son. He was a hard-working, industrious man, and at his decease left his family a comfortable [)property. He continued to reside on the farm which he had developed from the wilderness until all his children were grown and established in homes of their own, when he took up his above east of New Berlin and there passed his last years. He was a very religions man and a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. Politically, he cast a straight Democratic vote, and was always greatly interested in local affairs and gave liberally of Ills time and means toward the furtherance of all elevating measures.

The father of our subject received his education in the district school, near his home, and being trained to farm pursuits, when starting out on his own account, located oii property just north of

Canton, where he owned eighty acres of excellent land, which by good judgment and industry he placed under good til'age, and reaped therefrom a competence. Like his father before him, he w.hs a member of the Lutheran Church, and at his death, which occurred in 1865, he was fifty-four years of age. In early life a Whig, he later joined the Republican party, being a strong Abolitionist.

The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Nancy Schriver; she was born in what is now the prosperous city of Canton, and was the daughter of David and Mary Schriver, natives of Pennsylvania, who, on coming to this section in an early day. located in Canton Township, where the father farmer and at the same time operated a distillery. He was a Democrat in politics, and lived to attain a good age, as did also his wife.

He of whom we write was third in order of birth in the parental family of eleven children, two of whom are deceased, Susan and Henry. Those living are Mary A., our subject,,Teremiah. William, Harriet, Orlando, Amanda, Hiram and Emma. The mother of these children is still living at the age of eighty-one years, and makes her home on the old farm, located just outside the corporate limits of the city of Canton. She is a most estimable and worthy lady and a devoted member of the German Reformed Church.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JACOB SMITH, deceased; V>om in December, 17U," in Guilford Tp., Franklin Co., Penn.; his piuents were Daniel and Eve (Heck) Smith, who were blessed with a family of eleven children; those who grew up were Elizabeth, Susan, JIargaret, Eve, Mary, Cathai'iu(, Jacob. John, Daniel and Adam. Jackb Smith was married, in 1829, to Lydia Biukley. who was born in 1805, in Lancaster Co., Penn., being the second of a family of live children bom to Peter Biukley and Margaret Lee, who were natives of Peimsylvania: the Binkley family ai'e descended from Germany. Jacob Smith and family came West to Ohio in 1833, purchasing a farm in Perry Township in 1834, said farm containing 126 acres, in the southeast quarter of Sec. 33, which was settled by Mr. Allmau. Mi-. Smith died Sept. 4. 1865; was a member of the German Reformed Church, and a good citizen. Eleven children were born him; five are living, viz., Margaret, Daniel, Angeline, Jacob nnd Lewis, all living in this township except Jacob, who resides in Bethlehem Township; Daniel remains on the homestead, having purchased the farm.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

WILLIAM SMITH, farmer; P. O. Cairo; was lion in York Co., Pa., in 1801, and is one of four children born to William and Christiana (Bucher) Smith. The father was a native of Maryland, and the mother of York Co., Pa. In 1818 he (William, Sr.) came to Plain Tp., and settled on a rented farm, where he remained eight years. Having a good knowledge of surgery, he gave it his exclusive attention up to the time of his death. The subject of this sketch came to Ohio with his parents in 1818, and lived at home until he was 'Zl years old. He then learned the carpenter's trade, and worked at the same for twelve years after his apprenticeship was served; he then bought a farm of IGO acres, where he now resides, and has lived on the same ever since. In 1837 he married Mary Christ of Lake Tp. From that marriage there were seven children, five of whom are living, viz: — Susan, wife of P. Hate; Alfred, of Stark Co.; Elizabeth, wife of Jno. C. Shaffer, of Plain Tp.; Mary, wife of Albert Cluft, of Canton, and Allen at home. Mrs. Smith died at the ago of 70 years. She was an estimable lady, and much missed by her many friends. Mr. Smith is one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Plain Tp.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

DANIEL SMITH, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Marlborough; was born in what is now Blair Co., Pa., Nov. 15, 1833. He is a son of Caleb and Susan (Hoover) Smith, who were parents of eleven children — Samuel, Henry, Elizabeth, Daniel, Catharine, John, Mary, Jacob, Susan, Annie and George W. Of these only five are now living, Caleb Smith, the father, was a native of Germany, and came with his parents to America when he was but a small boy. They first settled in Maryland; but afterwards moved into Pennsylvania, where his parents both died. The farm which they purchased in Blair Co., proved to be underlaid with valuable iron-ore deposits, but by rascality their title to the property was disputed, and owing to some flaw in the records they were compelled to give up their right to the homestead. While in Blair Co., Caleb married our subject's mother, and in 1839, with property only to the value of about $300, they emigrated to Ohio, leaving their former home in the hands of the unprincipled parties who had taken it from them. They located on Sec. 22, Marlborough Tp., Stark Co., where they again started in life. Mr. Smith was an industrious man, and respected by his neighbors. He died in the fall of 1858, and his widow in 1880. Daniel Smith was raised as a farmer's boy and also assisted his father in the shoe-shop. He received a common-school education, and was married to Sarah Seeley in August, 1853, by whom he had five children — Salome A., Jemima E., Sarah M., Elmer E. and Edwin L. Mrs. Smith was a kind and loving wife, and an affectionate mother. She died in the spring of 1877. Mr. Smith was married the second time to Mrs. Maria Royer, widow of Stephen Royer, and daughter of Mr. Long. Mr. Smith has lived the principal part of his life in Stark Co., Ohio. He is an industrious, intelligent, well-read citizen. He is a Democrat in politics, and owns 360 acres of excellent farming land in Marlborough Tp.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

FERNANDO B. SMITH, manufacturer; Wilmot; is the proprietor and sole manufacturer of " Smith's Nevv Improved Portable Force Pump," a new and novel invention, which is finding a ready and rapid sale. The manufactory is located in Wilmot, and is conducted by the at)ove, who was born in this town July 19, ISo-l, son of Peter and Ann (Howard) Smith. They were born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, Sept. 15, 1811, and Jan. 9, respectively; were united by marriage Oct. 16, 1835, and emigrated to this country, locating at once (July, 18-18) in Wilmot, Stark Co., and set up in business. He is a tinsmith, which trade he learned in Switzerland, and has since conducted the business in this town, keeping stoves and tinware generally. The father of Peter was named John, whose father was of the same name. Mrs. Smith's father's name was Casper Howard. Nine children have been born to Peter Smith, viz. — John, Maria, Elizabeth, Christian, Lena, Fernando B., Ettie, Peter, and Adolph, who died when young. Peter.Smith, the father of F. B., was of a family of four children — Peter, John, Anna and Mary. Of the children of Peter Smith, who have left the sheltk-r of the parental roof, are Ettie, wife of A. D.Wallace, of this place; Lena, now Mrs. Paul Fry, also of this town; Elizabeth, wife of Frederick Obets, resides near Grand Rapids, Mich.; Maria is the wife of George GoU, of Loudonville, Ohio;.John resides in Zanesville, and Christian in Bakervilla. Fernando learned the tinner's trade of his father, but in 18i'7 he went to Cincinnati, where he engaged in manufacturing his improved pumps in a small way. He came to this town the year following, and began their manufacture at this place. The first year he manufactured he turned out 2,500, in 1878

5,000, and has been doubling the amount each year. In 1880 he made 20,000, and next year will manufacture 50,000.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

GEORGE G. SMITH, physician and surgeon; Alliance; was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Jan. 31, 1837. His parents were Philander and Martha (Freer) Smith, of New York, who removed to Ohio about 1833, and settled in Trumbull Co. They reared eleven children. Mr. Smith was by occupation a mill-wright. After a common-school education, the Doctor set out in life for himself. He came to Alliance when a mere youth and entered into the employ of Drs. Wilson & Armstrong, in the capacity of drug-clerk. He became interested in the study of medicine and while clerking, spent his leisure hours in study, consequently his employers became at the same time his preceptors. He was in very limited circumstances, as he was depending entirely on the resources of his own labor, to furnish means of support and education; in consequence of which the completion of the medical course was somewhat retarded. Ho accepted a clerkship in a drug store in Janesville, Wis., where he remained one winter; thence to Cincinnati, where he held a similar position, and while there attended a course of lectures in the Ohio Medical College. In 1859 he removed to Michigan, and began the practice of medicine

- — "i in partnership with Dr. James A. Leasia. He enlisted in the late civil war in August, 1861, in Co. K, 9th Mich. V. I. At the organization of the regiment, he was chosen sergeant and arose steadily to distinction in the service. Fiis regiment was ordered to Kentucky, and as soon as they arrived he was detailed as hospital steward at West Point, Ky., where he remained about two months, when he was removed to Elizabethtown and occupied the same position at the post hospital, linniediately after the battle of Pittsburgh Landing, he was ordered to Nashville, and assigned to duty in Hospital No. 5. While there he attended a course of lectures at the medical department of the University of Tennessee, and graduated in the winter of 1862-63. In April, 1863, he was appointed assistant surgeon of his old regiment.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.