My Genealogy Hound

OTIS W. SMITH. This well known business man and leading pharmacist of Sedalia was born in Hannibal, Mo., June 2, 1862, being a son of James H. and Carroll A. (Harris) Smith, natives, respectively, of Ohio and Marion County, Mo. His father, who was a carpenter by trade, engaged for some years in the grocery business, and was a member of the state militia in Hannibal. In 1874 he came to Sedalia, where he was employed by the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company. From this city he removed to Joplin, in the employ of the Missouri Pacific, and still makes his home in that city.

The subject of this notice is the older of two children, his sister being Mrs. T. H. Fitzpatrick, of West Plains, Mo. The first twelve years of his life were passed in Hannibal, where the rudiments of his education were acquired. On coming to Sedalia, he entered the public schools of this place, and in 1882 was graduated from the high school here. He then began the study of pharmacy and afterward entered the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, from which institution he was graduated in 1884, with the degree of Ph. G.

Embarking in business for himself, Mr. Smith opened a drug store at No. 918 East Third Street, and for nine years conducted a thriving business at that stand. In January, 1895, he removed to his present location. No. 501 Engineer Street, where he has a large and well equipped pharmacy. His store is supplied with a complete assortment of everything to be found in a first-class establishment of the kind, and he does an especially large business among railroad men, making a specialty of the preparation of their tinctures.

In St. Louis, in 1885, occurred the marriage of Mr. Smith and Miss Mattie Dowdall, a native of St. Louis, and daughter of John T. Dowdall, a retired manufacturer of that city. Their two children are Otis F. and Wilmer O. Politically Mr. Smith is a Republican, firm in his allegiance to every principle of his party’s platform. He takes a commendable interest in everything pertaining to his profession, and holds membership in the Missouri Pharmaceutical Association. For two terms he has filled the office of Chancellor Commander of the Knights of Pythias, and is also an official in the Uniformed Rank. Considering the fact that he started in business with very limited means, the success which has attended his efforts is remarkable, and proves beyond doubt that he has chosen an occupation for which nature has fitted him. As a citizen he is progressive and energetic, believes in the great possibilities of this city, and cherishes the warmest hopes of its future growth and prosperity.