Person:David Smith (27)

In the 1884 Census David R. Smith gave 1846 as the year of his arrival in Michigan. He resided in the log house on Shultz Rd., East of Shultz, in Hope Township. He was a farmer & and carpenter. David is buried in Cedar Creek Cemetary. There is no tombstone for either of his wives.

In the 1880 Hope Township, Barry County Census R. David Smith, age 36, and wife E. Mariai E., age 33, lived with their children Ellen M. 11, Margaret A. 10, Charles R. 8, Walter A. 4, Elmer L. 3 and James A - one month. Charles was born in Michigan (according to the census). He did not know where his parents were born. His wife, E. Maria was born in Michigan, as were her parents. All of the children were born in Michigan [Roll T9_570; Film 1254570; Page 192A; Image no. 0765 , Enumeration district 45]

OBITUARY HASTINGS, MICHIGAN 1918 David R. Smith died at his home in Irving township at the age of 75 years, 2 months, 19 days. He had been a great sufferer for five years. Loving hands did all they could be done until death came. He leaves to mourn their loss a wife, six children, two step children, brothers and sisters and a host of grandchildren and friends. Sleep, sweetly sleep, dear Father, No pain can come near thy rest. We know thou are safe with Jesus At home with the blest.

In the early 1870's three Smith brothers settled in Schultz, Barry Co. Michigan. Anson Ransom, Richard Sperry, and David Louis Jr. They and their parents David L. Smith Sr. and Charlotte Sperry were originally from Niagara Co. New York, and moved to Hillsdale Co. Michigan in 1854. Both David L. Smith Sr. and Charlotte Sperry were born in Connecticut. After a short time, Richard Sperry Smith, father of David R. Smith moved back to Jefferson Township, Hillsdale Co. Michigan, but David stayed behind and made his home in Schultz. Richard often returned to Schultz to visit his son David afterwards. David owned 80 acres in section 2 of Hope Township on the north side of Schultz Road where he built a log cabin home. David's uncle, Anson Ransom purchased 117 acres of land from him, which was located just east of where David lived in Hope Township section 2 on Schultz Road. David Louis Jr. also owned 80 acres across Schultz road from his nephew David R. Smith.

1. ↑ 1880 United States Federal Census.