My Genealogy Hound

John H. Smith, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Wilmington, Del., January 17, 1830, the son of Capt. G. Henry and Catharine (Whitby) Smith, natives of Delaware and Maryland, respectively. The father was a captain and vessel owner, going between Philadelphia and Milford, Del. He was drowned in Delaware Bay. Our subject was reared in Wilmington, and when eighteen went to sea, and so continued for five years. He made trips to the West Indies, and the coast of South America, and soon became mate, and made a few trips as captain. November 30, 1853 he married Martha E., a daughter of William Roughley. She was reared near Dover, Del. He farmed four years, and in 1857 came to Decatur County, Ind. He farmed there until 1861, and was also in the flouring and saw-mill business for a time. He was in the Home Guards for a while, and in August, 1861, joined the Thirty-Seventh Indiana Infantry, and became corporal and sergeant. He was discharged August 11, 1862, at Indianapolis on account of disability. He served at Bowling Green, Nashville, Murfreesboro, Stone River and Cedar Creek, where his company were all captured but himself and another. In 1865 he came to Adair County. He owns eighty acres of land in the hills and 180 in cultivation. He is commander of the William Wood Post, G. A. R, and he and his wife are members of the Protestant Church. Politically he is a Republican. His children are Mary C., Clara, Araminta and Amanda (deceased).