William Warren Smith

WILLIAM WARREN SMITH

Was born November 25, 1814, near Baltimore, Md., and at the age of twelve, his father, John Smith, emigrated to Baxter County, Virginia. When in his twenty-first year, the subject of this sketch, in company with his brother, John T. Smith, came to Franklin County, Ohio. On the 17th of January, 1839, he and Miss Catharine Weaver were joined in wedlock, and with an eye to the future they, for a time, were content to live in the Buckeye State. In the course of time two heirs were born unto them, both being girls. The oldest one died, and the parents being in poor circumstances, turned their eyes toward the setting sun. Loading their household goods into one wagon, they with their one daughter, emigrated to Indiana in October 1842. They landed in the dismal swamps of Boone, where frogs croaked, owls hooted, and wolves howled. In the midst of all this they bought forty acres of William B. Brackenridge, for a consideration of two hundred and twenty-five dollars. The next thing in order was to build a cabin, and at this station pioneer life began. In the midst of the forest, without money, without roads, and a long way to market through mud and mire – what was to be done? They had come to stay, and had brought their iron will with them. By industry and patience he helped to tear down the forest. He had not only the welfare of his family and neighbors at heart, but the love of Christ also. He was a Predestinarian, but alas! he was called to lay down his labors here on earth. He passed from among the living January 31, 1884, aged sixty-nine years, two months and six days. He left an aged widow, three sons and two daughters to mourn their loss. It is to be hoped their loss is his gain in the world to come. He left all his family a good home. There were seven children, four of whom survive. They are as follows: David W., who married Mary J. Williams, resides in Boone County; Bazzle H., who married Serreld Fitch, also lives in Boone County; Warren J., married Henrietta Smith, lives in Boone County; Rachel, married George Low, of Hamilton County, where they now live. Bazzle married twice, the second time to Nancy Stoker.

D. W. Smith, who furnished the above, is a valuable citizen of Perry Township, and who kindly entertained us while getting material for this work.

Source Citation: Boone County Biographies [database online] Boone County INGenWeb. 2007. <http://www.rootsweb.com/~inboone> Original data: Harden & Spahr. "Early life and times in Boone County, Indiana." Lebanon, Indiana. May, 1887, pp. 364-365.

Transcribed by: Julie S. Townsend - July 6, 2007