- SHUBAEL W. SMITH, deceased, for many years a leading citizen
of Janesville, was born in New
- Lisbon, Otsego Co., N.Y., in Jefferson County, in the same
State, and from there came to Janesville in 1843, in company
with Timothy JACKMAN. Soon after their arrival the firm of JACKMAN
& SMITH was established, and engaged in the mercantile trade
and in manufacturing until 1854, when they became prime movers
in the organization of the Rock County Bank. From 1848 to 1854
they managed the well-known Farmers' Mill which at that time
was one of the most flourishing manufacturing establishments
in the city. The firm was remarkably prosperous in all its undertakings,
and was distinguished for its enterprise and integrity. In 1865,
when the present Rock County National Bank was organized, Mr.
SMITH became an officer, and in 1868 succeeded Mr. JACKMAN as
President, serving until Nov. 19, 1881. He was a sagacious financier,
conservative, far-seeing, and always enjoyed the utmost confidence
of the public. The firm of JACKMAN & SMITH built the handsome
block in which the bank is located. Through all the vicissitudes
of hard times and the convulsions created by panics, they remained
firm in business, and never lost the esteem of their fellow-citizens.
The partnership continued until 1868, when it was dissolved by
the death of the senior partner.
- Mr. SMITH continued actively engaged in business until November,
1881, when on account of ill
- health he was forced to retire. He remained an invalid during
the remainder of his life, his death occurring May 3, 1884. The
funeral services were conducted by Rev. D. M. PULLEN of Christ
Church, after which his body was laid to rest in Oak Hill cemetery.
In his death the city lost one of its most useful citizens, one
who for forty years had devoted his best energies to the advancement
of its interests.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 725.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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