My Genealogy Hound

EUGENE K. SMITH. Schuyler County has many estimable citizens, but none are more highly respected, or, for conscientious discharge of duty in every relation of life, more worthy of respect and esteem, than Mr. Smith, who is one of the well-to-do farmers of the town of Reading. He is a self-made man in every sense of the term, and although his experience in life has been a varied one, it is at the same time one that reflects only credit upon him as a man. His entire career has been such as to win respect and esteem from all who are favored with his acquaintance.

The parents of our subject were Charles R. and Amanda (Hitchcock) Smith, natives also of this state. In 1846 they came hither from Augusta, Oneida County, and at once took up their abode in the town of Reading, where they lived happily together until the death of the father, which occurred April 21, 1885. The wife and mother survived him until May 4, 1889, when she, too, passed away. They were highly respected people, and were active members of the Baptist Church.

The subject of this sketch was one in a family of four sons and two daughters. He was born in Augusta, Oneida County, July 12, 1845, and was consequently an infant when his parents came to Schuyler County. He was reared to manhood in Reading, and through his own efforts acquired a good common-school education.

Eugene K. Smith remained under the parental roof until the fall of 1864, when he enlisted in defense of his country’s flag, and became a member of Company D, One Hundred and Seventy-ninth New York Infantry. With his regiment he participated in the battle in front of Petersburg and in the fall of Richmond, being actively engaged until his discharge, June 25, 1865.

Mr. Smith continued to make his home with his parents until the spring of 1866, when he began operations for himself, his first purchase being a farm of forty acres in the town of Reading. He also carried on an adjoining farm of seventy-five acres on shares for six years.

The marriage of Mr. Smith and Miss Libbie Cross took place in Reading, December 21, 1870. Mrs. Smith was the daughter of John and Fanny (Bozard) Cross, natives of this county. Her father, who was a well-to-do farmer of the town of Reading, departed this life on the 11th of June, 1895. His widow, however, is still living, and makes her home at the old homestead. They were the parents of six children, of whom Mrs. Smith was the eldest. She was born in the town of Reading May 26, 1848, and was well educated in the district schools.

Fred Smith, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. E. K. Smith, was born September 12, 1871. Eleven years later our subject purchased the farm of thirty-five acres on which he is now living, and which is well improved. He has ever been interested in public affairs and has made an excellent official. For twelve years he was Justice of the Peace, and held the office of Excise Commissioner two terms and Town Collector for two years. In 1893 he was appointed Loan Commissioner by Governor Flower, and for two years was the incumbent of that responsible position, discharging the duties of the same with ability, fidelity and excellent judgment. He has always voted the Democratic ticket, and is an influential member of that party in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, together with their son Fred, are members in excellent standing of the Baptist Church, worshiping with the congregation at Reading, and Mr. Smith is one of the Trustees of the church. Socially he is connected with Watkins Post No. 551, G. A. R.