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Below is a family biography included in Book of Biographies: Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens, Cortland County, New York published by Biographical Publishing Company in 1898.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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WILLIAM T. SMITH, a worthy resident of the village of Cortland, is considered by the best judges to be one of the most successful business men in the confines of the county. He is now in full charge of the Keator, Wells & Co. Wagon Works of Cortland, and is putting forth his best efforts to build up the business of the company, and place it among the first concerns in the county. He has accomplished a good deal in the way of starting new enterprises in Cortland, and is certainly advanced and progressive in his ideas. Mr. Smith is a son of Raymond and Eliza Ann (Pierce) Smith, and was born in the State of Rhode Island, March 30, 1841.

The ancestors of Raymond Smith were English, but he was born in Rhode Island, and there obtained his schooling. He learned the trade of a carriage-maker, and then established a carriage manufacturing business at Coventry, R. I., which he ran until he came to the town of Homer, this county, in 1842. After his arrival in this county, he followed agricultural pursuits until 1850, when he engaged again in the manufacture of carriages, continuing in that line with marked success until his death in 1880. His books for that period showed larger receipts and balances than those of any other firm engaged in similar lines of business in Cortland County. In the old days of the Whig party, he was a faithful adherent and supporter of its men and principles, but after the advent of the Republican party he never lost a chance to cast his vote and influence in behalf of that political organization. He served as a trustee of the village of Homer. The following children were born to him: R. F., who is living in Rochester, N. Y.; Anna F.; Amelia F., who became the wife of J. S. Wright; Julia; Rosanna; and William T., the subject of this article. Mr. Smith died June 25, 1880, while his wife, left a widow, lived until June, 1896.

The education that our subject received in the common schools was supplemented by an attendance of three years at the Homer Academy. He then learned the carriage manufacturing business in his father’s shop at Homer. In January, 1883, Mr. Smith moved to the village of Cortland, and engaged in the manufacture of omnibuses and cabs, continuing in that line for twelve years. He was president and secretary of the Cortland Omnibus Cab Co., and instrumental in building their large factory. In 1891 he sold his stock in that company, and for the ensuing year did not interest himself in any particular business projects. In 1892 he purchased a place on Railroad Street, and engaged in the manufacture of wagons and omnibuses for a year and a half, and then retired for another year. On December 14, 1896, he assumed his present position as superintendent of the Keator & Wells Co., which position he still retains. In 1880, he married Hattie McKay, but has no children.

In politics he is a Republican, but lack of time and inclinations have kept him from taking a hearty interest in local affairs of a political nature. Mr. Smith is a Mason and belongs to Cortlandville Lodge, No. 470. In his religious belief he is liberal.

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This family biography is one of numerous biographies included in Book of Biographies: Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens, Cortland County, New York published in 1898. 

View additional Cortland County, New York family biographies here: Cortland County, New York Biographies

View a map of 1897 Cortland County, New York here: Cortland County, New York Map

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