My Genealogy Hound

S. B. SMITH, minister, Hamersville. Samuel Bernard Smith, a son of William and Elizabeth (Hoover) Smith, was born in Bath County, Va., March 24, 1820, both natives of Virginia. Grandfather Hoover was a native of Germany; served six years and nine months in the Revolutionary war, and died in 1844 at the advanced age of 107 years. The subject of this sketch, while young, had the advantage of only a meager common school education, and came to Ohio in 1841 and engaged in the ministry two years later, in which he was engaged for thirty-six years, serving two years as Presiding Elder of the M. P. Conference. Mr. Smith was one of the mild, quiet, persuasive preachers, and never inclined to be stormy, but the high estimation in which he was held is attested by the honor conferred by being twice Presiding Elder. He was retired to the superannuated list in 1879. Mr. Smith was married, in 1846, to Ellen Jane, widow of Samuel Davis, and daughter of Robert and Margaret (White) Kennedy (see Clark Township history). They have five children — Samuel K. (married and living at Piketon, Ohio, and Principal of Schools), Ella Bell (widow of Elsberry Young, killed by the falling of the C., G. & P. R. R. bridge across the Little Miami July 24, 1877), Emma (wife of Thomas M. Lucas), Charles Garwood, Jessie Estella. Grandfather William Smith, of English descent, was a soldier in Gen. Marion’s army, and lived to be one hundred and four years old. Mr. Smith is an honored member of Fayette Lodge, No. 107, F. & A. M. Was initiated in West Union Lodge, No. 43, I. O. O. F., and is now a P. G. of De Soto Lodge, No. 374, and officiating Chaplain. Mr. Smith is an honest, quiet citizen, who only needs to be known to be esteemed.