Joseph M. Smith

As printed in 1884

JOSEPH M. SMITH, one of the most prominent farmers of this township, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, December 28, 1832. He is a so.x of Daniel and Mary (Duddleson) Smith, the former a native of Connecticut, the latter of Fairfield County, Ohio. They came to this locality in 1822, and resided here the remainder of their lives. There were nine children in the family, of whom but four are now living, namely, John, Henry H., Antoinette (wife of Robert Gier) and Joseph M. Mr. Smith was one of the leading stock-dealers and farmers of the county during his life, at one time controlling over 3,000 acres of land. He died in 1865, his wife surviving till 1882. Joseph M., the subject of this notice, was engaged on the farm with his father till 1859, spending five years as a " cowboy," harding cattle on the open land. He was then tendered 400 acres of land, which he has since cultivated and improved, having cleared nearly 300 acres "from the sprout." Ho has dealt extensively in stock, and also conducted a large agricultural business, harvesting as many as 2,000 bushels of wheat in one season. He takes an active interest in agricultural matters, generally exhibiting stock at the county fairs, and keeping improved grades, with some thoroughbreds. He now owns 525 acres of excellent land, valued at $75 to $100 per acre, on which in 1876-77 he erected an elegant brick mansion at a cost of $12,000. It is provided with all the modern improvements— pantries, closets, hot and cold water, baths, etc.; is excellently planned, and, without doubt, one of the finest farm houses in the county. Mr. Smith was married, November 6, 1860, to Miss Sallie M. Straw, who was born in this county July 4, 1839. She is the daughter of Samuel C. and Christina (Staily) Straw, her father being a native of Vermont, her mother of Pickaway County, Ohio. They had eleven children, six of whom are now living, namely, David, Malachi, Martin, Samuel, Eunice and Sallie M. Her parents located in this county about 1830, and resided here till their respective deaths, November 22, 1856, and August 11, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have nine children, all living, namely: William S., born August 13, 1861; Nettie M., August 16, 1863; Anna V., August 10, 1865; Eunice E., October 16, 1867; David S., April 15, 1870; Mary C, August 5, 1873; Sallie M., November 24, 1876; Joseph M., March 16, 1880; George R., September 29, 1882. Mr. Smith is not a politician, but favors Republicanism. He is known throughout the county as one of its most substantial and successful farmers, and is highly esteemed, both as a citizen and business man.

As printed in The history of Wyandot county, Ohio, containing a history of the county: its townships, towns, churches, schools, etc.; (1884). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.