William H. Smith

As printed in 1902

WILLIAM H. SMITH.

On the roster of county officials in Knox county appears the name of William H. Smith, who is now serving the second term as county recorder. A well-known statesman has said, "You may fool all of the American people some of the time: some of the people all of the time, but you can't fool all of the American people all of the time." The truth of this is continually manifest in political life. It is a well-known fact that men by unworthy methods sometimes gain public office, but a discriminating public does not retain them there, and when one is re-elected to office it is very good evidence that he is deserving and trustworthy. Such is certainly the case with Mr. Smith, who is now capable serving in the position of county recorder for a second term.

He is one of Knox county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Milford township in 1836, and his ancestry may be traced back to one of the Revolutionary heroes, for his grandfather, Captain Henry Smith, commanded a company in the war for independ-. ence and was at Wheeling, West Virginia, when the place was surrounded by Indians. He wedded Mary Irisli, who was born in Ireland, and among their children was William H. Smith, the father of our subject. He was born in Ohio county, Virginia, in 1799 and in 183 emigrated to Knox county, Ohio, locating on a farm in Alilford township, where he successfully carried on agricultural pursuits until 1866. A recognized leader in public thought and opinion, he was called upon to serve in many positions of trust and responsibility. He acted as township trustee and in other local offices and in 1843 " in 1845 "'s elected to the state legislature. Later he was a candidate for the state senate. His political belief was that of the Democratic party. He took an active part in trying to defeat the Walhondig canal and this caused his political defeat on one occasion, but time proved that his course was a wise one and that the people again placed confidence in his political work was shown by the fact that he was again elected to the legislature. He left the impress of his individuality upon many measures which came up for settlement in the house when he occupied a scat therein, and he ever commanded the respect of his colleagues by reason of his fidelity to his honest convictions. For many years he was a prominent member of the Presbyterian church in Milford township, and with every movement that had for-its object the general welfare he was in sympathy.

Hon. William H. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Esther Dill, who was born near Columbus, Ohio, a daughter of Andrew Dill, who served as a captain in the war of 1812 under General McArthur and was present at the time of Hull's surrender. Mr.

Smith died in Mount Vernon, in 1871, at the age of seventy-two years and the community thereby lost one of its honored and valued citizens. His wife survived until 1 89 1 and died in Tennessee at the age of eighty-one. The members of the family were: Henry, of Kossuth county, Iowa; Mary, deceased wife of Morris Mahan, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; William H.; James, who served as sergeant major in the Civil war and is now living in Tiffin, Ohio; Harriet, of Knoxville, Tennessee; and Thomas and Adalaide, who are also living in Knoxville.

In the common schools of this county William H. Smith pursued his education" and throughout his business career he has carried on general farming and stock-raising, following those pursuits on an extensive scale in Liberty township. His enterprise and industry, combined with good judgment, made him one of the leading and prosperous farmers of the community and everything about his place indicated his care and supervision. In 1897, however, he put aside the work of the farm to enter upon the duties of county recorder, to which office he had been elected in the fall of the previous year, for a three-years' term. In 1900 he was again chosen for the same position — -the election being a comment upon his efficiency and trustworthiness.- For twelve years he had served as justice of the peace in Milford township and was assessor both in Liberty and Milford townships. He has been a lifelong Democrat, very active in behalf of the; party.

Mr. Smith married Miss Hannah J. iVIilligan, of Miller township, a daughter of George Milligan, who came from Ohio county, Wirginia, to the Buckeve state. I

Their children are William H.; Elizabeth, at home; George, of Columbus; Esther, who assists her father in the recorder's office; Louisa, the wife of John Keys, of Liberty township; Hervey and Frances, who assist in the recorder's office. The family is widely known in the county and its members enjoy the warm regard of many friends.

As printed in The Biographical record of Knox County, Ohio : to which is added an elaborate compendium of national biography (1902). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.