George W. Smith

As printed in 1909

GEORGE W. SMITH.

A well improved and highly developed farm of one hundred and sixty-, nine acres situated in Linton township has been the home of George W. Smith for the past forty-three years. He was born in Guernsey county, this state, October 16, 1833, and is the eldest of two children (of whom the sister, Elizabeth Ann, is deceased) born of the marriage of William W. and Nancy (Morlatt) Smith. The father was a native of England, while the mother's birth occurred in Virginia. They came to Ohio at an early date and located in Guernsey county, where the father died. The mother, however, passed away in Coshocton county.

George W. Smith pursued his studies in the common schools and at the age of fifteen years learned the harness trade, at which he worked for a time. He then resumed farming, working as a farm hand for two years. In 1865 he put aside all business and personal considerations and gave his services to the government, during the latter part of the Civil war, remaining at the front for seven months. He then returned to Coshocten county and is now the owner of one hundred and sixty-nine acres situated in Linton township, which has been his place of residence for the past forty-three years. In connection with general farming he raises stock, making a specialty of the latter branch of business, in which he is meeting with excellent success.

Mr. Smith has been twice married. He first wedded Sarah J. Johnson, who was born in Coshocton county. Their marriage was blessed with two sons but both are now deceased. The wife and mother was also called to her final rest, and Mt. Smith then married Mary E. Johnson, a sister of his first wife. This union has been blessed with a son and daughter: Johnson, of Coshocton; and Laura, the wife of Johnson Hammond, of Muskingum county.

Mr. Smith gives his political support to the men and measures of the democratic party and has been called by his fellow townsmen to fill a number of public offices, having served for five years as trustee of the township, while he has also filled the office of supervisor on several different occasions. He is also a school director. There is particular satisfaction in reverting to the life history of the honored and venerable gentleman whose name initiated this review, since his mind bears the impress of the historical annals of the state of Ohio from the early pioneer days, and from the fact that he has been a loyal son of the republic. He has now passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey and commands the respect and reverence which should ever be accorded to one who has advanced thus far on the journey of life.

As printed in Centennial history of Coshocton County, Ohio; (1909). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.