Edward L. Smith Edward L. Smith, a successful business man of Grand Rapids and one of the leading manufacturers of cigars and wholesale and retail dealers therein, is a native of Detroit, Mich., and a son of Frederick and Caroline (Benz) Smith. He was born on the 7th day of November, 1858, and passed the first ten years of his life in Detroit, removing thence to Ann Arbor about 1868. He attended school in the latter city until his fifteenth year, and then went to South Bend, Ind., where at the age of sixteen, he entered upon a three years’ apprenticeship to learn the cigarmaker’s trade, which he has since made his life work. After becoming proficient in his chosen calling, Mr. Smith located in Coldwater, Mich., where he remained during the interim from 1881 to 1885, and in the latter year began work as a journeyman, which he followed in various places until 1887. From that date until 1890 he old goods and then engaged in business for himself in Grand Rapids, establishing a stand at No. 198 East Bridge street, where he carried on a large and lucrative trade until 1898. In September of the year last named, Mr. Smith, by reason of the rapid increase in his business, removed to more commodious quarters on Crescent avenue, No. 20, where he now has a large manufacturing establishment, and also one of the most complete stands for the retail trade in the city, and the goods which Mr. Smith manufactures have a first-class reputation. Mr. Smith’s success is all that he can reasonably expect, and the position which he has attained in the commercial world is the direct result of his energy and well-directed business sagacity. His reputation in business circles is quoted as first-class, and his great personal popularity has been a potent factor in winning him not only a large number of customers, but many warm friends as well, in the city and elsewhere. In addition to the claims of business, which are quite onerous, Mr. Smith finds time to devote to other matters of social and political nature, being an active member of the Pythian, Forester and Woodmen fraternities, and an earnest worker in the ranks of the republican party in Grand Rapids and Kent county.