BIO: Sylvester W. SMITH, Centre County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JO Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/ http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/1picts/commbios/comm-bios.htm _____________________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898. _____________________________________________________________________ S. W. SMITH is a general farmer, pursuing his pleasant and profitable occupation in Potter township, Centre county, of which county he is a native son, his birth having occurred near Centre Hall, February 21, 1863. His father, Dr. Peter Smith, was born in Blackhole Valley, Lycoming Co., Penn., April 29, 1825, and, as his parents were farming people of rather limited means, his early educational privileges were limited. Desiring to make the practice of medicine his life work, he was obliged to borrow the money with which to prosecute his studies, and 400 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in January, 1848, he graduated at the medical college of Geneva, New York. Dr. Smith began the practice of his chosen profession in Hublersburg, Centre county, where he was unknown, and was therefore dependent upon his skill and ability for success; but he soon succeeded in obtaining a large patronage. There he married Mary Kopp, the wedding ceremony being performed by Rev. Fisher, a Reformed Church minister. She was born in Limestone township, Union Co., Penn., March 15, 1822, and came to Centre county with her parents, George and Elizabeth Kopp, who later removed to Sandusky county, Ohio; but she remained in Centre county, where she was working as a domestic at the time of her marriage. On leaving Hublersburg, Dr. Smith went to Centre Hall, and in the spring of 1871 removed to the George Hoffer farm, which he had purchased the previous fall. He was living there at the time of his death, October 4, 1877, and was buried in the cemetery of Centre Hall. He was a successful practitioner, and many would have made more money from the same volume of business, but he was never given to exorbitant charges, and often made no charge at all. He never refused to make a visit because the patient was poor and he knew that he would receive nothing for it, but went as readily as if his fees were sure. At his death he left his family in comfortable circumstances, and the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. The Doctor was well posted on current issues and questions, was a supporter of the Democratic party, on which ticket he was a candidate for the Legislature at one time, and socially he was connected with the I.O.O.F. and the Grange, being a charter member of the latter organization. He was also an officer in the Lutheran Church, with which he held membership. The following children came to the marriage of Dr. and Mrs. Smith: Sarah A., born October 8, 1850, died in infancy; Susan A., born April 19, 1852, married A. Q. Stover, and died in Clifford, Mich., in October, 1893; Alice C., born January 26, 1854, died June 29, 1855; John J. W., born May 24, 1855, died in childhood; Saloma M., born October 20, 1856, died October 7, 1868; William B., born April 21, 1858, died December 25, 1883; Mary M., born March 24, 1861, died July 21, 1865; and S. W., our subject. In 1872 the family removed to Centre Hall, but in 1890 they returned to the home farm, where our subject us living. His mother resided with him until March 6, 1897, when she died after a short illness. She was laid to rest by the side of her husband. In the public schools of Centre county Mr. Smith was educated, his first teacher being Col. J. L. Spangler, and on laying aside his textbooks, at the age of eighteen, he began learning the printer's trade in the office of the Centre Reporter, of Centre Hall. There he remained until September, 1886, when he became associate editor of the Centre County Times, of the same place, and was the mainstay of the office, doing the greater part of the editorial and mechanical work from the very start. After two years' connection with this paper he went to Bellefonte, where for nearly a year he worked on the Keystone Gazette, and then was with the Democrat and Sentinel, of Lewistown, Penn., in the capacity of local editor. Failing health compelled him to abandon the business, and in 1888 he returned to the home farm in Potter township, which he has since successfully operated, and half of which he now owns. On November 12, 1885, in Spring Hills, Penn., Mr. Smith was married to Miss Jennie L. Kuhn, of Boalsburg, who was born in Spring township, Centre county, September 24, 1866, a daughter of William H. and Margaret (Relph) Kuhn, the latter now residing at Jersey Shore, Penn. Mr. Smith has always given his political support to the Democratic party; fraternally he is a member of the Grange. Although a young man, he is classed among the most progressive and enterprising farmers of Potter township, is straightforward and reliable, and is well posted on various topics. He and his estimable wife are faithful members of the Lutheran Church, in which he has served as deacon, and for fifteen years has been a teacher in the Sunday-school. 1900 Centre Hall, Centre County census - Sylvester W. Smith, 37 Jennie L. Smith, 33