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Below is a family biography included in the Biographical Review Volume of Biographical Sketches of The Leading Citizens of Hampshire County, Massachusetts published by Biographical Review Publishing Company in 1896.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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NEWTON SMITH, an extensive dairy farmer and a lifelong resident of South Hadley Falls, was born where he now resides, December 2, 1837, son of Philip and Sarah (Smith) Smith. Mr. Smith’s father was born in South Hadley Falls, and followed agriculture as an occupation all of his life. In early manhood he settled upon the farm which is now owned and occupied by his son, and resided there until his death, which occurred in 1868, at the age of seventy-two years. He was a successful farmer and a highly respected citizen. His wife, who was a native of Leverett, Mass., became the mother of three children, as follows: Sarah, who died in 1866; Newton, the subject of this sketch; and Philip Henderson, who married Frances J. Butterfield, and resided with Mr. Smith. Philip Henderson Smith was formerly an architect, and resided in the vicinity of Boston.

Newton Smith was educated in the schools of South Hadley Falls. At an early age he commenced to assist his father upon the farm, and rapidly attained proficiency in all branches of agriculture. At the age of twenty-six he was placed in charge of the farm, and has since managed it with success. He has made numerous improvements, adding materially to the value of the property, which consists of one hundred and fifty-five acres, one hundred and fifteen acres being under perfect cultivation. He conducts one of the largest dairies in Hampshire County, keeps a herd of one hundred and twenty cattle, and eleven horses. He is the owner of three large milk routes — two in Holyoke and one in South Hadley Falls — which are the source of considerable profit.

Mr. Smith is a Republican in politics, and has served three years as a Selectman. He is a member of the Congregational church.

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This family biography is one of the numerous biographies included in the Biographical Review Volume of Biographical Sketches of The Leading Citizens of Hampshire County, Massachusetts published in 1896. 

View additional Hampshire County, Massachusetts family biographies here: Hampshire County, Massachusetts Biographies

View a map of 1901 Hampshire County, Massachusetts here: Hampshire County Massachusetts Map

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