Postmaster of Freeport, has been a resident of that city for over thirty years, and is closely identified with the interests of Stephenson County. He first established himself in the grain trade at a time when the soil of this section seemed eminently adapted to the growth of the cereals. Railroad connections had already been made and our subject built up an extensive trade which he continued for twenty-five years. In 1875 he became associated in partnership with H. J. Porter, and the firm of Smith & Porter led the grain trade, and also operated extensively in coal. Their office was located at the foot of Stephenson street, near the tracks of the Illinois Central and Northwestern Railroads. Their large business had the effect of stimulating all classes of business, and its projectors accordingly became valued factors in the commercial interests of Stephenson County. Mr. S. possesses fine executive ability in addition to his business capacities, and many years ago was called to fill responsible positions in township and city government.

Mr. Smith was born near the town of Murray, Orleans Co., N. Y., Nov. 29, 1834. His parents, John and Charlotte (Mason) Smith, were natives of England. The latter came to America with her father’s family about 1824. They located on a farm in Orleans County, N. Y., where they lived many years and then removed to the city of Buffalo, where the father retired from active labor, and departed this life about 1873. The death of the mother occurred about 1872. The parental household included seven children, who are now all deceased.

Our subject passed his boyhood and youth mostly in the city of Buffalo, where he attended the public schools and received an eminently practical education. Upon leaving the parental roof to commence life for himself, he secured the position of cashier in the Prant Bank of Buffalo, which responsible post he occupied until proffered a more desirable one with the Farmers’ and Merchants’ Bank of the same city. He severed his connection with this to seek a broader field of operations in the West, which was then holding out so many inducements to young and enterprising men. After taking up his residence in Freeport, Mr. Smith formed the acquaintance of Miss Nancy R.., daughter of Seaba and Sophronia Dean, with whom he was united in marriage in 1860.

Mr. Smith, in 1863, was elected Mayor of the city of Freeport, which office he held by re-election three years, and the duties of which he discharged with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. He received the appointment of Postmaster from President Cleveland in 1885, and is eminently qualified both by his native business capacities and executive ability for this responsible office. He cast his first Presidential vote for Douglas, and since that time has been a stanch adherent of the Democratic party. His estimable wife is a member of the Episcopal Church. Their handsome and comfortable residence is located on Mechanic and Washington streets, and they number their friends by the score in a city which has known them long and well, and among the residents of which they have moved as leading figures in its best circles.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p.626 - 627