My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM E. SMITH, a prominent contractor and builder of Amherst and chairman of the Board of Selectmen, was born in New Salem, Mass., April 17, 1836, son of Nathan and Lydia (Merriman) Smith. Mr. Smith’s ancestors figured prominently in early Colonial history. His grandfather, Bradwyl Smith, was born in the vicinity of Boston, and was a blacksmith by trade. He became an early settler in New Salem, where he owned a farm, and followed agriculture in connection with his trade until his death, which occurred when he was ninety-one years old. He raised a family of five sons and three daughters.

Nathan Smith, Mr. Smith’s father, was born in New Salem, where he was a prosperous farmer for many years. He moved to the town of Gill, where he resided for a number of years, and died in Clinton, Mass., aged eighty-four. Nathan Smith during his earlier years was a Democrat in politics. His wife, Lydia Merriman before marriage, who was born in Northfield, June 10, 1809, became the mother of three children, as follows: William E., the subject of this sketch; Maria R., wife of Frank E. Field, of Clinton; and Nathan W., a resident of Miller’s Falls, Mass. The mother, who still survives, resides in Clinton. Mr, Smith’s parents became members of the Universalist church.

William E. Smith passed his boyhood in Gill and Bernardston, and was educated at the Goodell Academy. He taught school for a time, and then went to Greenfield, where he learned the trade of a carpenter. After working as a journeyman for some time, he became a master builder, taking contracts and erecting many buildings in different sections of the Connecticut valley. In 1862 he located in Amherst, where he has since conducted a large and successful business. Mr. Smith is independent in politics. He is at the present time chairman of the Board of Selectmen, in which capacity he is serving his second term, is chairman of the Board of Health, and has been Assessor for the past five years.

On November 13, 1861, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to his first wife, whose maiden name was Sarah E. Hyde, and by this union he has three daughters, namely: Minnie H. and Alice M., who are married; and Elizabeth S. Mr. Smith’s first wife died in 1878. On January 29, 1895, he wedded for his second wife Mrs. Ellen M. Howes, formerly Miss Draper, widow of Charles O. Howes, late of Amherst. Mr. Smith has reached his present position of prosperity by close application to every detail of his business. His quiet, unassuming, yet straightforward, manner has won the confidence of all who know him; and he is looked upon by his fellow-townsmen with the highest respect and esteem. Mr. and Mrs. Smith attend the Congregational church.