My Genealogy Hound

JOHN SMITH. Among the native sons of Northampton County and numbered among its progressive business men is the subject of this notice, who comes from one of the pioneer families of the county. His father, Jonathan Smith, was born in Lehigh County, being a son of Peter Smith, who brought his family to this county when his son was only a small boy. He settled in East Allen Township, where he lived to attain a good old age. Our subject’s mother, Margaret (Fennel) Smith, was born in Northampton County.

John Smith was born June 10, 1837, and was reared to man’s estate on his father’s farm in East Allen Township, his education being acquired in the district schools. Until about twenty years of age he devoted himself to farm work, but at this time began learning the business of making farm implements. This calling he followed about three years, when he returned to agricultural pursuits, in which he engaged for several years. About 1872 Mr. Smith embarked in the lime business with Erin Reyer, the latter being the senior member of the firm. The firm name was afterward changed to Smith & Reyer, and ultimately the latter assigned his interest to his son, though the firm name still remains unchanged. This connection has proved very successful, and they do a large business, burning and preparing lime for the market. On the average about fifteen men are employed, though formerly more than double the number were often engaged in working at the two immense kilns, the capacity of which is about five hundred bushels of lime in twenty-four hours. Recently John Smith sold out his interest in the lime business to his son, William H., now the prime mover in the enterprises of the firm.

January 10, 1860, our subject married Sarah S. Biel, she being a daughter of David B. Biel, and to them were born seven children, four of whom are living: Laura, Ellen, William H. and Ida R.

The farm on which John Smith and his family reside, and which he located in 1867, comprises fifty-four acres, all under good cultivation. In addition to this property, he owns a tract of land covering one hundred and twenty-one acres in East Allen Township. A self-made man, Mr. Smith is worthy of commendation, for it is only through his own hard work and well directed efforts that he has acquired a competence. In his political belief he adheres to the principles set forth by the Democratic party. As a member of the Reformed Church he has served as Deacon, and while living in Howertown he was the Trustee of the church at that place.