JOHN SMITH, a successful farmer of Independence township, was born June 22, 1820, near Mt. Hope church, Independence township, this county. He is a son of John Smith, who was born in 1786, in County Fermanagh, Ireland, and lived on the farm during his boyhood. He was married to Jane Graham, who was born in 1786, a daughter of William Graham. In 1818, with his wife and infant son, he embarked from Cork, Ireland, for America, and landing in New York came to Independence township, this county. where a brother of Mr. Smith had located, near Bufflo creek. Mr. Smith worked as a farm tenant for some time after his arrival in Independence township, but soon purchased the place on which he lived, and continued to reside there until his death, which occurred in 1831His widow remained on the place until 1835, when she too passed away, leaving the following children: William (born in Ireland), John (a farmer of Independence township); Jane (deceased), Edward (died in 1847 of consumption) and Mary A. (widow of Paul Ralston), of Independence township. John Smith, son of John and Jane (Graham) Smith, worked on the home farm from earliest boyhood, and received his education in the rude country schools of the period. When his parents died he took charge of the place, which is situated about three miles south of Independence, near the West Virginia line. His two sisters lived on the farm with him until the death of one in 1891, and Jane, the remaining sister, has since been keeping house for him. Mr. Smith is unmarried, and his health having been poor for several years, he has consequently lived in a retired manner. He is naturally a quiet and unassuming man, having the respect and esteem of all who know him. Politically he was formerly a Whig, and now is a member of the Republican party. He is a member of the M. E. Church at Independence.
Text taken from page 1301 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed March 1997 by Richard Howell of Woodsfield, OH as part of the Beers Project.
Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]