Newaygo County MI Archives Biographies.....Smith, Simon P. January 16, 1820 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Jan Cortez http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00020.html#0004939 March 25, 2009, 5:46 pm

Author: Chapman Brothers

SIMON P. SMITH, farmer, section 34, Ashland Township, was born in London, 
Ontario, Jan. 16, 1820.  His 

parents, Jesse and Elizabeth (Fairchild) Smith, were natives of the Dominion 
and members of the 

agricultural community.  There the son grew to manhood, and from 12 to 18 
years of age worked during the 

summer seasons on his father's farm, and during the winters attended the 
common schools.  In the spring of 

1838 himself and parents came to Michigan and located where Grand rapids now 
stands.  The now magnificent 

city was then an Indian village, containing besides the aborigines, but four 
white families.  Mr. Smith 

was a resident there for 15 years, and in March, 1865, came to Newaygo County 
and located on 160 acres of 

land he had previously purchased, on section 34, Ashland Township.  He 
experienced all the hardships 

incident to a pioneer settler in the depths of the uncut forest.  By his own 
unaided efforts he has since 

placed 65 acres of land under improvements suitable for profitable farming, 
besides erecting good and 

substantial buildings.

Mr. Smith was married Oct. 18, 1843, to Sarah J. Daum, of Grand Rapids.  Her 
parents were natives of New 

York, where she was born Nov. 28, 1828.  They emigrated to Grand Rapids and 
their daughter resided there 

until her marriage.  She died at her home in Ashland Township, Nov. 4, 1876, 
leaving two children, viz:  

Mary A., Aug. 20, 1844, and Wesley E., Dec. 30, 1851.  James, born Dec. 23, 
1849, died Jan. 3, 1850.

Mr. Smith is a Democrat in political connection, and for many years has served 
his community in a public 

capacity.

Additional Comments:
1884 Portrait & Bio Album of Newaygo Co.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/newaygo/bios/smith384nbs.txt

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