- DR. CHARLES M. SMITH, a leading physician of Evansville,
Wis., was born in Cattaraugus
- Co., N.Y., June 25th, 1834, and is a son of Jacob and Delana
(RICH) SMITH, both of whom were natives of New York; the former
born March 21, 1809, and the latter, May 14, 1816.
- Jacob SMITH was a farmer and followed that occupation through
life. In 1830 he removed from
- Onondago County to what was known as Cattaraugus County,
on the Holland Land purchase, where he bought 150 acres of wild,
heavily timbered land. Erecting a log-cabin, he then proceeded
to clear his land, and in time had a well cultivated farm. He
bought three different farms in that vicinity and there endured
all the hardships incident to pioneer life. To Jacob and Delana
SMITH were born eight children, all yet living in the neighborhood
of the old homestead, with the exception of Alvira, deceased,
Mary R., wife of Rev. C. M. PULLEN, an Episcopal minister at
Houghton, Mich., formerly of Elkhorn, Wis., and the subject of
this sketch. In order of birth the children were as follows:
Katherine, born June 30, 1832; Charles M., June 25, 1834; James
R., Jan. 10, 1836; Alvira, May 19, 1838, died Nov. 25, 1841;
Judson, born April 29, 1841; Arvilla, Dec. 31, 1843; Mary R.,
May 23, 1848; Matilda, Oct. 13, 1855. Jacob SMITH and wife were
prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and took
an active part in the advancement of religion. Politically, he
was a Whig. Few men were better known in the county in which
he lived. Always active, he participated largely in the development
of Cattaraugus County, which is now one of the most noted for
its production of fruits and for its dairies and fine stock.
Mr. SMITH made a specialty of fine stock, and on his farm could
always be found the best grade of animals. For years he was a
large contractor for railway timber, such as ties and wood. He
went to his final rest March 13,1879, and was buried in New Albion
cemetery near his home. The good wife bore with him the hardships
of pioneer life, preceding her husband to the unknown world,
December 22, 1864.
- Charles M. SMITH, the subject of this sketch, resided with
his parents in his native State until the
- age of twenty, assisting in the cultivation of the farm and
attending the common schools as the opportunity afforded him.
In 1854 he left the parental roof and started out in life for
himself. Believing the West afforded a better opportunity for
advancement in life than the East, he came to Wisconsin and located
in the town of Brooklyn, Green County, where he engaged as a
farm hand. He soon afterward taught his first school at Dayton,
Wis., a five months term. For the next three years he attended
the Albion Academy in Dane County, Wis., and taught three winter
terms in Evansville, Wis. In 1857 he commenced the study of medicine
with Dr. J. M. EVANS and graduated at Rush Medical College, Chicago,
in the winter of 1859-60. After graduating he practiced one year
at Elm Point, Ill., then returned to Wisconsin and located at
Footville, where he remained until 1863, during which time he
secured an extensive practice. He was then commissioned Assistant
Surgeon of the 13th Wisconsin Infantry, as successor to Dr. S.
L. LORD, and remained in the service until June 30, 1864, when
he was discharged for disability and returned home. In 1865 he
removed to Evansville, where he has since continued to reside,
actively engaged in his profession as far as his health would
permit.
- Dr. SMITH was married to Julia A. SAWIN, the youngest daughter
of John SAWIN, a
- prominent Baptist minister, May 16, 1861. Two children have
been born to them - Flora D., Dec. 9, 1863 and Charles M., March
23, 1866. The latter is now studying medicine and has spent two
years at Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which institution
he expects to graduate in February, 1890. He is well known in
the community in which he lives as a young man of sterling worth
and business foresight. He has been for two years a registered
pharmacist.
- In 1873 Dr. SMITH took a Post Graduate course at Bellevue
Hospital College, from which he
- received a diploma. In 1867 he became a member of the State
Medical Society of Wisconsin, and on the organization of the
Southern Wisconsin Medical Association in 1883 was elected its
first President. He was also elected President of the Rock County
Pharmaceutical Association and elected an honorary member of
the same in 1882. He is yet actively engaged in his profession
and has a large and lucrative practice. He has always been very
charitable to the afflicted poor and to them his services have
been as freely given as to those who are in far better circumstances
and from whom he expected a good fee.
- Dr. SMITH and wife are prominent members of St. John's Episcopal
Church at Evansville, and
- contribute largely to its support. In educational institutions
he has always taken a lively interest, and for fourteen years
served as clerk of the High School Board. In social organizations
the Doctor is equally prominent and widely known, and is a zealous
member of the A.F. & A.M. He was one of the charter members
of the Footville Lodge, No. 137, A.F. & A.M., and was its
first Worshipful Master. He is a member of Union Lodge No. 32,
of Evansville, and was its Master from 1865 to 1871, inclusive.
He is a member of Evansville Chapter R.A.M., No. 35, and has
filled all its offices. Evansville Council No. 35, and for a
number years an active member of the Janesville Commandery No.
2, and is also an honorary member of the Oriental Order of the
Palm and Shell. He is a member of the A.O.U.W., of Cattaraugus,
N.Y., also a member of the K. of P. Politically, he is a Republican,
and cast his first Presidential vote for John C. Fremont.
- He was elected in 1876 President of the Village Board and
County Supervisor. Since 1867 he
- has been a representative of the Northwestern Mutual Life
Insurance Company.
- From the foregoing brief sketch it will be seen that Dr.
SMITH has been an active man. In every-
- thing calculated for the upbuilding of the town or county
he has taken an active part. Few men enjoy the confidence of
their fellow men in a higher degree.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 449-450.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|