Homer C. Smith

As printed in 1912

HOMER C. SMITH.

The present age is essentially utilitarian and in the life of every successful man carries a lesson which, told in contemporary narrative, is productive of much good in shaping the destiny of others. There is, therefore, a due measure of satisfaction in presenting, even in brief resume, the life and achievements of such men, and in preparing the following history of the successful young business man of Centerburg whose name initiated this paragraph, it is with the hope that it may prove not only interesting and instructive, but also serve as an incentive to those who contemplate a business career. Mr. Smith possesses concentration of purpose and energy that laughs at restraint. excellent judgment and the executive ability that makes everything undertaken accomplish the purpose for which intended.

Mr. Smith.was born in Centerburg, this county, on October 5, 1877. He is the son of William and Esther (Hopkins) Smith, both natives of Greene county, Pennsylvania, where they grew up. were educated and married, coming to Bloomfield, Morrow county, Ohio, in 1867, where they remained until 1875, when they moved to Centerburg, where Mr. Smith engaged in the grain business and afterward the clothing business until his death, on April 16, 1896. He did a large business and was one of the leading men of the community, well known and highly respected. Politically, he was a Republican and for years was active in local political affairs. He filled the office of mayor of Centerburg in a most commendable manner and for some time was a member of the town council, also of the board of education. Fraternally, he belonged to Bloomfield Lodge No. 422, Free and Accepted Masons, and he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and superintendent of the Sunday school for a period of twenty-two years. He was a devout man and active in church affairs, and a man of unquestioned integrity. During the Civil war he proved his loyalty to the Union and made a faithful soldier in Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. His widow survives, making her home at Centerburg.

Homer C. Smith, of this sketch, was reared in Centerburg — in fact, has always lived here. He was educated in the public schools and was graduated from the local high school in 1894. Following his graduation he engaged in the grocery business from 1894 until 1907, enjoying an excellent trade with the town and surrounding country. He next turned his attention to the shoe and the produce business, the latter growing to large proportions. In January, 1911, he established the Arch City Produce Company at Columbus for the purpose of handling butter and eggs to jobbers, and it proved to be most successful from the first, an extensive trade soon being established. He still maintains his shoe store in Centerburg, which is one of the best known in the county, customers from a wide radius coming here, for they always find a large, up-to-date and carefully selected stock and courteous and obliging clerks. The very best shoes are handled and this splendid store would do credit to a town much larger than Centerburg.

Mr. Smith was married on June 24, 1908, to Feme Miller, daughter of William and Mary (Payne) Miller, her father being a prominent dry goods merchant of Centerburg.

Politically, Mr. Smith is a Republican and he is active in public affairs, endorsing and supporting all progressive movements. He has filled many of the local offices and is at present a member of the town council and school board. As a public servant he has discharged his every duty in a faithful and conscientious manner, to the satisfaction of all the people.

Fraternally, Mr. Smith is a member of Bloomfield Lodge No. 422, Free and Accepted Masons, and he and his wife are members of Manila Chapter No. 100, Eastern Star. Fie is a member of Hawthorne Lodge No. 228, Knights of Pythias, and the Sons of Veterans. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, and he has been superintendent of the Sunday school for a number of years, succeeding his father. lie is also a member of the official board of the church. He and his estimable wife are prominent in local social circles. They have a pleasant home and are most affable and hospitable, numbering their friends only by the limits of their acquaintance.

As printed in Past and present of Knox County, Ohio (1912). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.