My Genealogy Hound

B. F. C. Smith, a lawyer of considerable prominence, was born in 1832 in Smith County, Tenn. He is one of a family of ten children born to Josiah R. and Barthena (Cloud) Smith. The father was born in 1797 in Davidson County, Tenn. He was by occupation a farmer. About 1823 he was ordained a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and entered the Holsten Conference, Tennessee, remaining in the work four years. He then returned to the homestead, serving the church in capacity of local preacher until his death in 1882. His wife was born in Lee County, Va., and is still living. The subject of this sketch was educated at Irving College, Warren County. His legal knowledge was acquired by his own efforts. He began practicing about 1854 in the county and justice’s courts. In 1870 he was admitted to the bar, receiving his license from Judges Goodpasture & Fite and has been quite successful. In 1855 he was elected county surveyor, and served four years. In 1869 he was appointed by Gov. Senter commissioner of registration of voters. In 1870 he became clerk of the county court, holding that position four years. In 1853 he wedded Rhoda M., daughter of Dr. F. H. and Rhoda Gordon, who was born in Smith County in 1835, and died April 30, 1864. She bore two children who died in infancy. In 1873 Mr. Smith married Maggie T., daughter of John and Allie Wilson who was born in March, 1845. To this union three children have been born: B. F. C., Earnest C. and Maggie W. Mr. Smith is a Democrat, cast his first vote for Millard Fillmore in 1856. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a Knight Templar. In 1853 he was elected Secretary of his lodge, and five years later became the Master, which office he filled four years. He was one of the charter members of the New Middleton Royal Arch Chapter. He was Recorder about six years, and High Priest four years. He was commissioned Deputy Grand Master to organize a Council of Royal and Select Masters at Gainesboro. He is also a member of the Baldwin Commandery of Knights Templar. He was appointed by the governor as delegate to the Western Water Ways Convention at New Orleans, in 1884; was also acting as deputy United States commissioner during the war about six months.