BIO:  Reinhart SMITH, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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Part II, Biographical Sketches, York Borough, Pg 45

REV. REINHART SMITH, was born in the county of Shopfheim, grand dukedom of 
Baden, Germany, near the river Rhine, May 15, 1836, to Joseph and Rosina 
(Ruetchil) Smith.  He was educated at the public schools and received a good 
German education.  In 1854, in company with his parents, he came to America, 
landing at Castle Garden, New York, September 4.  The family proceeded to Lehigh 
County, Penn., and thence moved to Shelby County, Ohio, where his parents died 
in 1855.  Early in life our subject was forced to make his own way, and for a 
time worked upon a farm, and then entered a hat factory as a clerk.  He studied 
privately from 1855 to 1860 with Rev. A. Linbagh, Reading, Penn., while he was 
clerk.  In 1860 he entered the theological seminary at Mercersburg, Penn.  
Completing his labors at the seminary, he was licensed to preach, and since that 
time has been actively engaged in the ministry.  In 1863 he removed to Sullivan 
county, and the first year received for his services $197.85.  In 1866 he came 
to York County and accepted the pastorate of the Reformed Church at Dallastown, 
and there remained until 1868, when he removed to York and here has since 
resided.  The marriage of Rev. Smith was solemnized, in 1863, to Miss Anna 
Hoelker, of Philadelphia.  Mrs. Smith died in 1864 and our subject was next 
married, in 1866, to Miss Hannah C. Shaffer.  They have five children, viz.:  
Aaron H., Anna A., William R., Charles S. and Emma A.