My Genealogy Hound

SMITH, PETER, civil engineer; Sec. 32; P. O. Quincy; was born Feb. 24, 1816, in the County Meath, Ireland; studied civil engineering in that country, and emigrated to the United States, Feb. 19, 1848; was engaged a few days after his arrival in New York as civil engineer on what was then the Morgan & Sangamon, now part of the T., W. & W. R. R., one of the first built in the State. After quitting that road his next engagement was on the construction of what was then known as the Northern Cross, now the C., B. & Q. R. R., and there remained until its completion in 1856, immediately after which time he took charge of the Quincy & Palmyra, now part of the Hannibal & St. Joe R. R. In 1861, he was elected County Surveyor, and occupied that position until 1869, from which time, until 1873, he was principal assistant engineer in the construction of the Q., M. & P. R. R. From 1873 until 1876, he had principal charge of the engineer department of the Hannibal & St. Joe R. R., after which date, and up to the present, he has led a retired life at his beautiful suburban villa adjoining the city of Quincy, devoting his time to his splendid vegetable garden, his fruits, and flowers, of which he has an abundance. He was married to Miss Celia R. Blake, of the County Galway, Ireland. They have had but one child, a daughter, who died after attaining her 15th year. Democrat, and a member of the Roman Catholic church.