My Genealogy Hound

J. QUINCY SMITH. The State of Ohio is not only rich in agricultural resources, but is also famed for producing some of the best live stock on this continent. To this industry the subject of this notice has given much time and attention and is noted as a breeder of blooded horses, cattle, sheep and swine. He has a well-developed farm, finely located just west of the New Carlisle (Clark County) corporation limits, where he has gathered together all the conveniences for the prosecution of his business and is meeting with more than ordinary success.

Mr. Smith was born under the roof which still shelters him, April 5, 1843. His parents were David J. and Sallie (Cory) Smith, the former of whom was born in the town of Annan, Scotland, in February, 1795. The parents of David J., who are also of Scotch birth and parentage, emigrated to America when their son was less than a year old and settled near Scottsville, N. Y. There young David was reared to mature years and in 1812 emigrated to Clark County, this State. In the meantime he had learned the trades of a stonemason and blacksmith. Later he learned something of civil engineering and subsequently turned his attention to surveying and for sometime was engaged in surveying Government lands in Ohio, assisting in establishing the lines between Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.

The father of our subject in 1817 assisted in fixing the boundary lines between Indiana and Ohio and Ohio and Michigan. He later became interested in farming and stock raising. After coming to Ohio he made his home with Elnathan Cory, whose daughter he subsequently married. After the death of Mr. Cory the property fell to his daughter who married David J. Smith, upon which the latter settled with his wife and where their son J. Quincy, our subject, was born. At this homestead the father died in 1878. He left a competence to his family and also the heritage of a good name. For many years he commanded a company in the Ohio State Militia and ever afterard was familiarly known as “Capt. Smith.” Politically, he was a Whig until the abandonment of the old party and then cordially endorsed Republican principles. In religion he was a member of the Christian Church. The paternal grandparents spent their last years in New York State. The mother of our subject was born January 2, 1809, at the farm where J. Quincy now lives and although she is eighty-two years old she is bright and active and in the enjoyment of good health.

The maternal grandparents of our subject were Elnathan and Hannah (Jennings) Cory, natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. They emigrated to this State while it was a Territory as early as 1797, partly by the way of the Ohio River and thence overland with horses and wagons to the vicinity of Deer Creek and near the present site of Lebanon. They sojourned there among the Indians and wild animals until 1803, then removed to what is now Clark County and took up a tract of Government land. This land is now in the possession of Mr. Smith. Upon it he built up a good homestead and there he and his wife spent the closing years of their lives. Mrs. Cory died of cholera in 1834. Mr. Cory survived his wife eight years, dying in 1842 at the age of sixty-six. He was a man of some prominence and accumulated a large property. His father, Thomas Cory, settled in Clark County, Ohio, about the same time and died in 1813. Elnathan Cory’s wife’s father was killed by the Indians on Deer Creek, near Lebanon, at an early day.

To David J. and Sallie (Cory) Smith there was born a family of ten children, namely: Hannah, who died when five years old; Nannie J., Henry C., David H., Hannah M., Elnathan C. J. Quincy, Lyda M., who died at the age of forty-one years; Sarah F. and Mary who died when two years old. J. Quincy, the seventh child, has spent his entire life at the farm which he now owns and occupies with the exception of the time he spent in the army. In 1861, he enlisted as a Union soldier for three years in the Sixteenth Ohio Battery of light artillery which operated in the States of Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. He served three years, participating in the battle of Champion Hill, was at the siege of Vicksburg, the second battle of Jackson and other minor engagements and skirmishes. His battery formed a part of the Thirteenth Army Corps, commanded by Gen. John A. McClernand, of Illinois.

Upon leaving the army Mr. Smith returned to the farm and has since contentedly followed agricultural pursuits. The residence in which he now lives was put up by his father in 1828. This with its surroundings forms one of the most delightful homes in Clark County. There are fruit and shade trees and besides the dwelling, the various out-buildings required for the shelter of stock and the storage of grain, including two large fine barns. Mr. Smith avails himself of modern machinery and the most approved methods of tilling the soil, keeping himself thoroughly posted in regard to all matters connected therewith. He is looked upon as a man who understands all the details of his chosen calling and whose labors have been rewarded with well-earned success. Politically, Mr. Smith is a strong Republican. Both he and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the Presbyterian Church. In Masonry Mr. Smith has attained to the Thirty-second Degree. He is a favorite both in social and business circles, public spirited and a fine conversationalist.

The 27th of February, 1879, marked an interesting date in the life of our subject, as on that day he was joined in wedlock with Miss Maggie Johnson. This lady was born near New Carlisle and lived there from infancy until the time of her marriage. Her parents were John F. and Lydia (Schuman) Johnson, who were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania and are now residents of New Carlisle. The six children born of this union are — David J., Charles E., Raymond F., John H., George B. and an infant unnamed. When Elnathan Cory settled here there was an Indian camp on an eminence on the land he purchased and it was dubbed Indian Hill, which name it still retains.