James B. Smith

As printed in 1892

AMES 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 Portrait biographical record of Stark county, Ohio. Containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the Unit (1892). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.