John Taylor Smith

As printed in 1912

JOHN TAYLOR SMITH.

It is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man who has won a definite goal in life, whose record has been such as to command the honor and respect of his fellow citizens. Such in brief is the record of John Taylor Smith, farmer of College township, Knox county, an honest, whole-souled gentleman who has tried to lead a life of sobriety and uprightness, one that would give offense to no one, laboring not only for his own advancement and that of his immediate family, but also for the improvement of the entire community whose interests he has long had at heart. Although he hails from the old Oriole state, the major part of his active career has been spent in the vicinity of which this history treats.

Mr. Smith was born in Washington county, Maryland, on November 26, 1846. He is the son of Joseph B. and Mary (Brewer) Smith; who grew up and were married in the Eastern states and came to Knox county, Ohio, in 1861, with their family, and settled on a farm in Pleasant township and here became very well established Politically, the father was a Republican, but was not active in public affairs, though always interested. Plis death occurred in February, 1869, when he was fifty-two years old, his widow surviving many years, her death having occurred in 1901 at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. Their family consisted of nine children, five of whom are now living, namely: John T., of this sketch; Mary, who married

Alva Steinmetz, he being now deceased; Elizabeth has remained single; Daniel B. lives in Mt. Vernon; Matilda married Edward Klring, of Mt. Vernon.

John T. Smith, of this sketch, was reared on the home farm where, as soon as old enough, he was put to work in the fields. During the winter months he attended the district schools. He was married on January 28, 1880, to Mary J. Boyd, daughter of Hugh and Jane (McLean) Boyd, of Clay township, Knox county. Three children have been born to the subject and wife, namely: J. Boyd; Grace L. is deceased; Joseph Charles is also deceased. The living child is married and is making his home with his father, assisting with the general work on the farm.

After his marriage John T. Smith began farming in Pleasant township, this county, where he remained ten years, then moved to College township in 1890, locating on the farm where he still resides, and which he has brought up to a high state of improvement and cultivation. In connection with general farming he makes a specialty of raising sheep, keeping large herds, which, owing to their excellent quality, bring good prices. He has been successful in the wool business and for twenty-five years he engaged in sawmilling in Pleasant township. He has been very successful in a business way and now has a good farm, a pleasant home and a fair competency.

Politically, Mr. Smith is a Republican and he has been active in public affairs. He has been township trustee and school director for several years. He was elected county commissioner in 1901 and he served two terms or seven years. He has always discharged his duties very acceptably and efficiently in all public positions. He has been a frequent delegate to district and county conventions, and is an influential and well known citizen in this part of the county. Fraternally, lie is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Mt. Vernon Lodge, also the Pleasant Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, being a charter member of No. 677, of the latter. He has been an active member and officer in the Grange. He and his wife belong to the Presbyterian church, in which he is an elder and an active worker in the church and Sunday school.

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.