John H. Smith 

Among the agriculturists of Miami County who have been identified long and prominently with the interests of this section and who through intelligent direction of their activities have contributed to the advancement and well-being of their community, one who is worthy of mention is John H. Smith of Newton Township.  Mr. Smith was born in Montgomery County , Ohio , December 10, 1861, a son of Samuel and Katherine (Sharitt) Smith.  There were four children in the family: Carrie, George, Perry and John H.  Smith was reared in an agricultural community, as his father was always an agriculturist and his education was acquired through attendance at the district school. He remained at home for several years after attaining his majority, but in 1884, came to Miami County and began operations on his own account.  Or more than a third of a century he has been cultivating the soil in Newton township, and at present time is the owner of fifty-three acres of good land, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, devoting it to general farming and the raising of live stock He has a good set of buildings, including a commodious modern home, and other improvements which reflect his progressive spirit and tendency toward up-to-date equipment and methods.  His standing in the community is that of a capable farmer, a reliable citizen and a man of sound integrity.  During the war period he demonstrated his patriotism by his generous support of the various movements made necessary by the exigencies of that great struggle. Mr. Smith married Florence , daughter of Edward Whitman, of Montgomery County , and to this union there has been born one daughter, Lulu, the wife of Charles Holfinger, with one son, Harold, ten years old.