Conrad G. Smith

Conrad G. Smith

CONRAD G. SMITH, farmer, section 16, Ashland Township, is the son of Josiah and Rachel (Clemens) Smith, natives of Maine. They were married in the Pine-Tree State and removed to seneca Co., Ohio, where the son was born, Oct. 20, 1834, and resided in that county until 1845.

Mr. Smith had reached the age of 11 years when his parents went to Noble Co., Ind. He worked on the fam of his father until the death of the latter in the fall of 1851, which event brought him face to face with the realities of actual life so far as the world goes. He gave his attention heartily to the first opportunities that presented to earn a comfortable creditable livlihood. He was married July 1, 1858, at Elkhart, Ind., to Arcenoah, a daughter of Elisha and Sophia (McQueen) Hager. She was born in Oswego Co., N.Y., March 25, 1842, and died in Orange, Noble Co., Ind., March 27, 1861, leaving one child, Eugene V., born Sept. 4, 1859. She fell a victim to diptheria.

Mr. smith found in the civil war a field for his efforts, and he became a soldeir. He enlisted Aug. 25, 1861, in Co. M., Second Ind. Cav. His regiment joined the Army of the Cumberland, Gen Buell in command. Mr. Smith underwent the oft recited experiences of the encounters of the Morgan raid, and was in the action between the noted guerilla chief and Gen. Johnson, at Gallatin, Tenn. The Union force was repulsed on the third charge, and while making the onset Mr. Smith received a shot across the right eye, and another in the left leg. A pursuit followed, and after riding seven miles he was captured. He was finally paroled and rejoined his command at Louisville, and sent thence to Indianapolis, where he was discharged as disabled, Dec. 20, 1862. He returned to Noble County, and in the spring of 1863 he went to Newaygo County and purchased the tract of land where he is now established. He delayed entering upon the work of improving, as the facilities for lumber operations seemed to offer paramount attractions, and he availed himself of their advantages until he was ready to settle in life.

He was married June 23, 1867, to Sarah L., daughter of David and Lucretia Law. She was born Sept. 13, 1847, in Noble Co., Ind. Her father was born in Ohio and her mother in New York. Mr. and Mrs. Smith took possession of the farm, 60 acres of which are under good improvements, and in a fine state of cultivation, showing the industry, effort and judgment of its proprietor. Mr. Smith owns in addition one-fourth of section 20, in Adhland Township. To him and his wife the following children have been born: Claude D., Feb. 3, 1871, and Ann, Feb. 13, 1873. Mr. Smith belongs to the Greenback party in politics and is a member of Blue Lodge, No. 131, F. & A.M., at Newaygo.

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