Oliver J. Smith

As printed in 1909

OLIVER J. SMITH.

A farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres in Madison township yields a substantial annual revenue to Oliver J. Smith in reward for the care and labor which he bestow on the fields as the years pass by. This place is pleasantly and conveniently located about six miles north of Dayton, so that the advantages of the city are easily obtainable. Mr. Smith was born September 23, 1861, in the county which is still his home, his father being the Rev. John Smith, a resident of Trotwood. The paternal grandfather, Abraham Smith, came from Pennsylvania only a few years after the admission of Ohio into the Union and about 1810 settled on what is now the. old Smith homestead where his grandson, Oliver J. Smith, now resides. There he faced all the hardships, privations and dangers of pioneer life at a time when Indians still lived in the state and when the forests were frequented by various wild animals and much wild game. In many portions of the state there were no roads, only the light Indian trails, but one by one the early settlers came and reclaimed the region for the purpose of civilization. Abraham Smith bore his full share in the work of general progress and became a well known and prominent farmer.

His son, Rev. John Smith, was for many years active in the ministry of the Dunkard church. He is now one of the oldest native residents of the county, his birth having occurred on the farm which is occupied by his son Andrew W. In all of his business affairs he displayed keen judgment and careful management and became one of the largest landowners in the county. While he is now practically retired from business life, he is still active in the work of the church at the age of eighty-two years and yet preaches to some extent in different churches in this part of the county. His influence has long been a strong and potent element for good for he has spoken many words of truth and wisdom which have sunk deep in the hearts of his hearers and in time have brought forth the fruits of righteousness. He married Susan Wolfe, who shared with him in his interest in the church and did all in her power to assist him in its upbuilding.

In his youthful days Oliver J. Smith was sent to the district schools and when not busy with his text-books his time was occupied with the work of the fields. He has been very successful in farming, which he those as a life work, and his persistent labor finds its manifestation in well tilled fields and bountiful harvests. His place comprises one hundred and thirty-five acres of fine farm land on the Dayton and Salem pike about six miles north of the courthouse in Dayton and bordering the main road and also the Dayton & Northern Traction line. His residence has been recently erected and is built in modern style of architecture, containing all the conveniences and improvements of the present age. There is a large barn upon the place and also substantial outbuildings so that his stock is well house and his grain kept from the inclement weather. His residence sets some distance back from the roadway and is surrounded by a well kept lawn adorned by many fine trees. It is one of the pleasing features of the landscape and the entire place is pervaded by an air of neatness and thrift.

Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Smith was married May 23, 1886, to Miss Amelia Cart, a daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Bosore) Cart. The father was a farmer by occupation and came to this part of the country from New York. He was a son of Philip and Louise (Kuntz) Cart, who were natives of Germany and became the founders of the family in the new world. The grandmother became a resident of this county and died in Madison township. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Smith was blessed with seven children. Roger C., who was born June 7, 1888, has engaged in teaching but is now further pursuing his own education in Oxford, Ohio. Mabel S., born September 25, 1889, is at home. Homer C., born November 19, 1891, assists in the operation of the farm. Carrie I., born September 25, 1893, is attending high school. Walter W., born January 3, 1895, is a pupil in school. Florence M., born October 24, 1896, is pursuing her education. Grace E., born April 29, 1904, complete the family. The parents and children belong to the German Baptist church and take a most helpful interest in all of its activities. They are people of genuine personal worth, occupying an enviable position in the social circles in which they move, while the hospitality of the best homes of the township is freely accorded them.

As printed in History of the city of Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio (1909). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.