John F. Smith

As printed in 1902

JOHN F. SMITH.

The subject of this sketch is of that sturdy German stock which in all parts of our country has developed good citizenship and done its full share in bringing about general progress and prosperity. Mr. Smith was born in Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio, June 22, 1840, a son of Frederick Smith, a native of Germany, who married Christina Lipman, who bore him six children: Lewis lives in Lykens township; Hiram is dead; John F. was the next in order of birth; Adolphus lives at Aurora, Illinois; and Clara is the wife of Joseph Laipply, of Chatfield township, Crawford county, Ohio. A sixth child died in infancy.

Frederick Smith came to America in 1832 and located at Columbus, Ohio, where he worked as a stone and brick mason until 1840, when he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Lykens township, Crawford county, and engaged in farming. The land had no improvements and was practically wild and cost him six hundred dollars. He lost no time in erecting a hewn-log house and in beginning the work of improvement and cultivation. His wife died at the age of thirty-four years and he married Lucy A. Shupp, who bore him the following children: Cornelius, Frederick T., Henry, Jefferson, L. M., Matilda, Catherine, Lucy. Emma and Sarepta. He became a prominent man in the township and died at the age of sixty-two years.

The subject of this sketch was born and reared on his father's homestead in Lykens township and was brought up to farm work and received his education in the public schools. At the age of twenty-two years he began a practical apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade. After working as a journeyman carpenter for eight years he engaged in contracting and building, which he followed successfully until 1881, when he bought his father's old home farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he lived until 1895, when he retired from active life and removed to Brokensword, Lykens township, where he has made his home to the present time.

In 1865 Mr. Smith married Melinda Shupp, and of their children we observe that Lulu married Edward Pfetcher; Laura married Wesley Lust; Horace J. married Ida Fralick and lives in Lykens township; Lucy Edith and Hiram are dead; Learra married George Lecrove, a farmer of Lykens township; Lottie L. and Lestie B. are members of their father's household; and Linna is dead. The mother of these children died April 22, 1887, ac tne a'e of forty years. She was a woman of many virtues, who was early beloved by all who knew her, and, like her husband, was a consistent member of the Evangelical church. Mr. Smith has been prominent in township affairs and has in many ways shown his public spirit. At one time he held the office of township trustee. In politics he is identified with the Democratic party. He has always been a hard-working man and has achieved success by means of industry and a good name by fair and upright living.

As printed in A centennial biographical history of Crawford County, Ohio .. (1902). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.