My Genealogy Hound

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 favorably 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 a 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 victims 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 through; out 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, N. Y., 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 at 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 returned 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 learned 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 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.