My Genealogy Hound

FREDERICK SMITH. Among the many prominent, enterprising and successful citizens of Cass County is the worthy gentleman whose name heads this sketch. His life of industry and usefulness, and his record for integrity and true-hearted faithfulness in all the relations of life have given him a hold upon the community which all might well desire to share. A native of Hesse-Cassel, Germany, born January 15, 1837, he has inherited all the best characteristics of that nationality.

Mr. Smith was the eldest of five children born to the marriage of David and Gertrude Smith, natives of Hesse-Cassel, and when but fifteen years of age, with his sister, took passage for America. After landing in the city of New York, they remained there for some time, but in 1852 our subject decided to go West. He came as far West as Detroit, and, after working in a brickyard for a month, was taken sick with fever and ague, and was in the hospital all winter. The following spring he hired out to a farmer for $7 per month, but during the following winter he received but $3 per month. He remained with this farmer for two years.

In the mean time, the parents of our subject decided to cross over to the “land of the free,” and in the year 1853 they took passage to America. A few days after sailing the mother was taken sick and died, and when within one mile of the Jersey coast the vessel was wrecked and the father and the youngest son lost. One son, George W., was saved, and now resides in St. Louis, Mo.

Our subject attended the schools of his native country until fourteen years of age, but, being the eldest son, he was obliged to assist his father to make a living. While residing in Michigan, he worked for the farmers around Ypsilanti until 1857, when he went to Constantine, that State. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in the Chandler Home Guards, and after they disbanded he enlisted in the Sixth Michigan Light Artillery as a private under Capt. Andrews. He was sent to Kentucky on garrison duty, and was at West Point six months. He participated in the battle of Frankfort, and then went back to Louisville, where his company was re-organized. From there he went to Knoxville, afterward joined Gen. Sherman’s army, and was in the battle of Resaca, numerous skirmishes and the battle of Atlanta. He was under Gen. Thomas against Hood and participated in the battle of Nashville. From there he was sent to Washington, D. C., thence to Raleigh, and participated in the battle of Bridges’ Cross Roads. Then, joining Sherman at Greenville, he was present at the surrender of Gen. Johnson’s army, and remained there until sent home, receiving his discharge in July, 1865, at Jackson, this State. He was a good soldier and was ever ready for duty.

Returning to Constantine, Mr. Smith remained there for some time and then came to Cass County, where he purchased seventy-three acres of wild timberland. In the fall of 1865 he was married to Miss Sallie M. Pine, a native of Washtenaw County, Mich., born in 1839, and the daughter of A. Pine, one of the pioneer settlers of this State. After marriage they settled on the new farm in a log house, and, although they had little to start with, they went actively to work and soon gained a solid footing. From time to time, as his means allowed, Mr. Smith added to the original tract, until at the present time he is the owner of one hundred and forty-six acres of land, with one hundred and twenty acres under cultivation. He built a good, substantial residence at a cost of $1,500, and everything about his place indicates that the owner is a man of energy and perseverance. All this is the result of his and his wife’s untiring energy, for during the early part of their career they saw little rest.

Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, three of whom are living: George N., Nora V. and Fred U. All have had good educational advantages, and Nora has a certificate to teach. In politics Mr. Smith is a Democrat. He is a member of the Grand Army post at Decatur, and is recognized by one and all as one of the county’s best citizens.