PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
WILLIAM H. SMITH. Among
those who have been prominent in advancing the various interests of New Carlisle
and vicinity, may be properly mentioned the subject of this notice who bears an
enviable reputation among his fellow-citizens. Personally, he is genial and
companionable—a man exceedingly popular—while in business circles his
integrity, good judgment and ability are unquestioned. He has for many years
been engaged in the nursery business and has thus become widely and favorable
known to a large portion of the people of Clark County. He has a most pleasant
and hospitable home, which is the frequent resort of scores of friends whom he
has made during his long residence in this section.
A native of Adams County, PA, Mr. SMITH was born September
27, 1834 and is son of Jacob and Catherine (CONRAD) SMITH, both of whom were
likewise natives of that county. They died in 1852, as did six other members of
the family within a few weeks of each other, falling victim of typhoid fever.
Jacob SMITH was a well-to-do farmer and a man of comfortable means. Both he and
his excellent wife were active members of the Lutheran Church. Upright,
charitable and hospitable people, they were widely and favorably known
throughout the county, as representing its best element.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was also named
Jacob SMITH and the grandmother’s first name was Margaret. Both were natives
of Germany. They emigrated to America shortly after the close of the
Revolutionary War and settled first in Genesee County, NY, later removing to
Adams County, PA, where they spent the remainder of their lives, passing away at
an advanced age. Grandfather SMITH was a life-long farmer and possessing the
thrifty and substantial traits of his ancestors, became well-to-do.
To the parents of Mr. SMITH there was born a family of
eight children, four of whom are still living, namely: Catherine, Hannah,
William H. (our subject) and Caroline E. The deceased were Sarah A., Israel,
Maria and Margaret. William H. was next to the youngest in the family and spent
his boyhood days on the farm, assisting in the lighter duties of home and
pursuing his studies in the common schools. He remained a member of the parental
household until about seventeen years old and was even then interested in the
growing of fruit trees, to which he gave his attention while remaining a
resident of his native State. Upon leaving Pennsylvania he emigrated to
Knoxville, Ill and for two years dealt in live stock and engaged as a butcher.
In 1858, crossing the Father of Waters, Mr. SMITH located
in Burlington, Iowa, where he engaged in buying and shipping stock extensively
until 1864. That year he retuned East as far as Clark County, this State and
locating in New Carlisle, again became interested in the nursery business. He
began operations on a small scale and advanced gradually as his methods became
known and people leaned that they could depend upon him. He gained ground
steadily, adding to his stock and facilities, until he is now one of the largest
fruit growers in the whole State. In company with his son, Iowa, he operates
about three hundred acres of land, all devoted to the to the nursery business
and located just north of the town. The New Carlisle Nursery has a reputation
second to none in this part of the country and during the spring of 1890 SMITH
& SON shipped twenty car loads of fruit trees to the nurseries of New York
State alone. In addition to this, they receive orders from nearly every other
State in the Union.
Mr. SMITH was first married, May 6, 1856 to Miss Louisa
DAVENPORT, of Adams County, PA, and there were born to them five children, all
of whom are living, viz: Sybil, Franklin J., Iowa, Bertha and George. Mrs.
Louisa SMITH departed this life
June 23, 1880 at the age of forty-six years. Mr. SMITH contracted a second
marriage November 1, 1883, with Miss Carrie HUBBARD.
The SMITH family have one of the most pleasant homes in Clark County and occupy no secondary position among its leading people. Our subject is a thorough business man and one who has been the architect of his own fortune, starting in life without other resources than those with which nature endowed him—strict honesty of purpose and perseverance, which admitted of no such word as fail. In politics he is a sound Republican and has held some of the minor offices. Although not connected with any religious denomination, he believes in the establishment and maintenance of churches and contributes to all as he has opportunity.
transcribed by Jean Hehn
Mar 28 2002