Miami County, Ohio Genealogical Researchers -- Sponsored by the Computerized Heritage Association


    JOHN E. SMITH

    The present efficient and popular mayor of Piqua, Ohio, is a man whose worth and ability have gained him success, honor and public confidence. He is a gentleman of refinement and culture, and his devotion to the public welfare has made him a valued factor in public life.

    Mr. Smith was born in Paris, Kentucky, March 28, 1836, and is a son of the Rev. Luther and Lucretia (Caldwell) Smith, the former a native of Hollis, New Hampshire, the latter of Kentucky. His paternal grandfather was Rev. Eli Smith, a Congregational minister. John E. Smith of this review spent his youth in Logan county, Ohio, here he attended the district schools and later the Union school, at West Liberty, and completed his education at the Geneva College, at Northwood, Logan county, Ohio. On leaving school he embarked in mercantile business at West Liberty, and on the 17th of June, 1858, he was united in marriage with Miss Isabel Glover, a daughter of J. M. Glover, of that place. To them have been born the following children: M. Glover; Smith, cashier in the Third National Bank, of Piqua; Luther C., a lumberman in Kentucky; William L., a photographer of St. Mary's, Ohio; Isabelle G., wife of C. H. Bryan, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Thomas, Eugene and Dwight, who died in childhood.

    After his marriage Mr. Smith continued to engage in mercantile business at West Liberty for a number of years, but finally disposed of his interests there and moved to his farm in Logan county, where he made his home for ten years, his time and attention being principally devoted to the breeding of short horn cattle. In 1894 he came to Piqua, and has since taken an active and prominent part in public affairs. He is a pronounced Democrat in politics, and on that ticket was elected mayor of the city in 1897 and re-elected in 1899, being the present incumbent. He has proved a very capable and popular officer, as he is affable and courteous in manner and possesses that essential qualification to success in public life, that of making friends readily and of strengthening the ties of all friendships as time advances. Religiously he is a member of the First Presbyterian church of Piqua. His wife passed away May 22, 1900, leaving a large circle of friends and acquaintances to mourn her loss.

    Return to the Biography Index

    Return to Main Page


    Copyright © 1998 by Computerized Heritage Association.
    All Rights Reserved