My Genealogy Hound

DAVID S. SMITH. One of the most valuable farms in Silver Creek Township, Greene County, and one of the most attractive in appearance, is that owned and occupied by David S. Smith. It comprises one hundred and fifty-two acres of very line land bordering on the Bowersville Pike, is well-stocked and furnished with improvements above the average. The residence is of brick of a pleasing architectural design, and evidences the prosperity and good taste of the owner. Substantial barns and other outbuildings are conveniently disposed upon the land, while fences and trees divide and adorn the fields, and add to their value.

Going back two generations in the ancestral line we find Jacob Smith, a Virginian by birth, and a farmer by occupation. He married a Virginia lady, Miss Betsey Kimball, who was of German lineage. After their marriage they settled on a farm in Hardin County, wheye several children were born to them, among the number being a son Daniel, he was but a few months old when, in 1814, the family left their old Virginia home, and crossing the country with teams, landed in Greene County, Ohio. In the forests of New Jasper Township, they made a good farm which was their home from that time until they were called hence. They worked hard to obtain a start in life in the new country to which they had come, manifesting great activity and thrift in their worldly affairs. Jacob Smith lived to be more than seventy years of age, and his wddow passed the age of four-score years.

Daniel Smith grew to manhood amid pioneer surroundings, beginning life for himself as a farmer boy and following his father’s footsteps as a hard-working man. After his marriage to Miss Lucinda Spahr, he began his wedded life with but a small amount of this world’s goods, in New Jasper Township, but lived to secure a fine home with more than four hundred acres of landed estate. He died at his home in 1884, being then seventy years of age. Politically, he was a Republican, and religiously, of the Methodist Episcopal faith. His widow is yet living on the old homestead, and although she has reached the allotted age of man, she is yet smart and active. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and numbered among the good old ladies of the township.

The birth of Mrs. Daniel Smith took place in New Jasper Township, in a settlement which was new, and like her husband she was reared amid pioneer scenes. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mathias Spahr had come hither from Virginia in an early day, and were well known among the early settlers of the township as people of excellent character, good habits, and those who became prosperous through industry.

The gentleman with whose name this sketch is introduced, is the fourth in a family of nine children born to Daniel and Lucinda (Spahr) Smith, his natal day having been June 14, 1844. The seven sons and two daughters are yet living, all with homes of their own and families; a remarkable incident — a mother reaching the age of seventy-one years without a death among her progeny. The early life of our subject was spent at his birthplace in New Jasper Township, where he learned the details of agricultural life, and obtained a good common-scbool education. He remained under the parental roof until after he had become of age, and in the same township until 1878, when he took possession of the fine farm which he now occupies, and which he has considerably improved since that date. The fact of his ownership of so fine an estate, is a proof of his ability in agricultural affairs, while its appearance indicates his possession of progressive ideas and good taste.

The home of our subject is presided over by a woman of intelligence, housewifely skill, and fine character, with whom he was united in marriage in Silver Creek Township, this county, November 29, 1871. Her maiden name was Sarah E. Sutton, her birthplace New Jasper, and her natal day December 2, 1850. She is a daughter of William G. and Martha E. (Hagler) Sutton, natives of New Jasper Township, whose parents were early settlers in the county. After spending some years of their married life in that township, Mr. and Mrs. Sutton came to Silver Creek Township in 1854, purchasing a farm of more than two hundred acres, which they made their home until 1882. At that time they retired to Jamestown, where they are yet living, retired from an active participation in their former duties, and devoting their time to social and religious matters. Both are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their family included eight sons and daughters, one of whom is now deceased, Mrs. Smith being the eldest.

The family of our subject and his estimable wife includes five living children, and two deceased: Frank Adelbert died at the age of ten years and six months, and William Daniel when seven months old. The survivors are Stella, Viola, Cyrus B., Nora, and Eva, whose presence around the family fireside gladdens the parental hearts. Mr. Smith gives his allegiance to the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In addition to the fine estate on which they live, they own another improved farm near Jamestown, which is seventy acres in extent.