Smith - Joseph
SMITH, Joseph, farmer and stock raiser, Crawfordsville, was born near Lebanon, Warren County, Ohio June 14, 1821. His father, Robert Smith was born in 1799 and died in 1865. He was a native of NC but when about 12 years of age, he with his parents moved to Warren County Ohio about 10 mi. E. of Lebanon. His father's name was John and his mother's Phoebe. John died in Ohio, while his wife died in Montgomery County at the home of her son.
Mr. Smith came to this County in 1835, previous to which time he had been engaged in farming and teaming. The journey was made in wagons, occupying 14 days. Upon his arrival he settled 3/4 of a Mi. SW of Yountsville, where he had purchased 240 acres of land at $16 per acre and here lived until his death. At the age of 18, he married Hannah WILLIAMSON, who was born in Shenandoah County, Virginia in 1790 and died 1870 a member of the Methodist Church. They became the parents of 10 children, five of whom came from Ohio in the wagon.
Joseph Smith lived with his parents until his 14th year and after his marriage moved on Sec. 16, where he resided 18 months. He then returned to the homeplace and was engaged in farming 14 years, having previously purchased the north half of it. He then traded this land and some other property for 433 acres on Mill Creek, known as the HERRON farm, valued at $16,000. After residing upon it 8 years he moved to his present beautiful and finely located home in Feb 1870. The fall of 1873 he erected one of the finest dwellings west of the city, two stories high, 32 x 46 feet and other improvements amounting to $6,000. The homeplace consists of 212 acres. He also owns 148 acres of the Herron farm, having given the remainder to his children. May 6, 1845 in Ripley Twp, he was married to Martha J. GASS who was born October 1821 in eastern Tennessee. They became the parents of 6 children: Margaret, Howard, Hannah, John B, George W and Frank, all of whom are married save John and George. Mrs. Smith died May 19, 1870, a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Smith married a second time, Oct 20, 1873, Lydia STEEL, in Henry County, Indiana near Knightstown. They became the parents of one child, Claud, who died Jan 14, 1876. He is a democrat and his wife a member of the Presbyterian Church. -- typed by kbz