- ERASTUS GILBERT SMITH, A.M., Ph. D., Professor of Chemistry
and Mineralogy in the
- Beloit College of Beloit, Wis., is a native of Massachusetts,
having been born in South Hadley, on the 30th day of April, 1855.
His parents were Byron and Nancy (DWIGHT) SMITH, the former a
descendant of Rev. Nehemiah SMITH, who emigrated to this country
about the year 1634, and the latter descended from an old New
England family. Byron SMITH was a prominent business man and
a leading citizen of South Hadley, Mass., and in that town was
united in marriage with Nancy DWIGHT. Two children were born
of their union - Rebecca F., a graduate of Mount Holyoke Seminar;
and Prof. SMITH of this sketch. Politically, he was a supporter
of the Republican party, and at the time of the Rebellion materially
aided in the service of his country by placing men in the field.
He held several local offices in the town where he made his home,
and for many years served as selectman.
- The early life of our subject was spent in his native State,
and his primary education was received
- in the public schools of South Hadley, graduating from the
High school of that town in the class of 1873. He graduated from
Amherst College, in 1877 and received from the same college the
degree of A.M., in 1880. For a time he was then employed as professor
in chemistry and elocution at Willston Seminar in Easthampton,
a leading Eastern school, and in 1881, he came to Rock County,
Wis., having been offered the Professorship of Chemistry and
Mineralogy in Beloit College. The following fall he went abroad
and for about a year and a half remained in the old world, visiting
its historic scenes and places of interest and attending the
University of Gottingen, receiving from that institution the
degree of Doctor of Philosophy. In 1883 he returned to Beloit,
where he has since continued to reside.
- The same year of his return, Prof. SMITH led to the marriage
altar Miss Elizabeth MAYHER, a
- daughter of John and Eleanor MAYHER, residents of Easthampton,
Mass., of which city her father is a prominent business man,
being President of the Savings Bank and of the Valley Steam Pump
Works. Mrs. SMITH is a lady of superior intelligence, refined
and cultured, and is a gradate of Mount Holyoke Seminary. Unto
them have been born two children - Gilbert M. and Philip M.
- Prof. SMITH is a young man of sterling worth and alive business
man, not only in connection with
- his college duties, but also as regards the welfare of the
city of Beloit. In 1887 he as elected Mayor, and in 1888, re-elected
to that office, discharging his duties with faithfulness and
fidelity. He and his wife are members of the First Congregational
Church of Beloit, and for two years he has served as Superintendent
of the Sabbath School. At present he is making a special study
of the natural waters of the Central States, with particular
reference to their application as a source of supply for the
towns and cities. Extended analysis has been made in this direction
for the city corporation and private companies of many of the
larger cities.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 782-783.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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