My Genealogy Hound

JOHN SMITH, merchant; P. O. Arcanum; one of the old settlers of Darke Co.; he was born in Adams Co., Penn., in 1828, and removed, with his parents, to Preble Co., Ohio, in 1835 or 1836; and resided there till 1850, when he removed to Sampson, in Darke Co., where he remained about one year, thence to Arcanum, in 1851, and opened a store of general merchandise, it being the first store ever opened in Arcanum. The dimensions of this building were only 16x24 feet, and would present a striking contrast in comparison with his large, elegant and commodious store of the present day—the latter being 90x32 feet. Mr. Smith is one of the pioneer merchants of Darke Co., and has for thirty years been passing through the different phases of mercantile life, and by his strict business integrity and popular business habits, built up a trade that is second to none in Darke Co. He was united in marriage with Sophia McNutt in 1851; they were the parents of three children, viz., Milton W., Leonidas H., Theophilus D. Mrs. Smith departed this life Feb. 7, 1859, leaving a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn her loss; his marriage with Delia V. Bittle was celebrated in 1863; the children by this union were Edwin S., Bertelle L., Roy C., Maude C. and Mamie. W.; the above are all living. The deceased, Elmer E., was born Dec. 4, 1864, and died Sept. 9, 1866. Mr. Smith is a son of Jesse and Christina (Dietrick) Smith, natives of Adams Co., Penn., both deceased; Mr. Smith died at the age of 69 years; Mrs. Smith at the age of 40.