Biographical Sketch of

Hon. Samuel W. Smith

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 783 - 784 


Hon. Samuel W. Smith was for many years connected with the agricultural interests of Green Lake County, but is 
now living a retired life in Markesan.  As he is so well known throughout the community this history of his life 
will be read by his many friends with interest.  He was born in Warsaw, Wyoming Co., N. Y., Dec. 15, 1821, and 
is a son of David K. and Charlotte (Clark) Smith.  His parents were natives of Washington County, N. Y.
 
The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood in his native county, acquiring such education as the common schools 
of that day afforded.  When he had attained to man's estate he chose for a companion Miss Almena Conable, daughter of 
Samuel Conable, a prominent citizen of Wyoming County.  Their union was celebrated in 1845, and the following year the 
young couple started for the West, where they determined to try their fortune.  With $100 in his pocket Mr. Smith
reached the Territory of Wisconsin, and looking for a location chose Green Lake County as the scene of his future 
labor.  He then invested his capital in eighty acres of wildland, upon which not a furrow had been turned or an 
improvement made.  He at once erected a log cabin 12 x 12 feet, the roof being formed by poplar poles covered with 
wild hay.  The floor was made from the boards off the boxes in which their goods were brought, and in true pioneer 
style our subject and his worthy wife began life in their new home.  Like all settlers on the frontier they endured 
many hardships and trials and had to labor early and late.  The means resorted to whereby provisions and clothing 
were obtained, would astonish many of the younger generation.  The first shoes which Ellen, their oldest child, wore 
were made from the lining of Mr. Smith's wedding boots.  The nearest market and mill were miles away.  The products 
of the farm were their chief articles of diet.  As time passed, however, the land began to yield bounteous returns 
for the care and cultivation bestowed upon it, and the financial resources were greatly increased.  Comforts were 
then added, improvements made, and the little log cabin was replaced by a more commodious and substantial residence.  
The boundaries of the farm were also extended until at one time Mr. Smith owned 1,000 acres of land, the greater part 
of which was under a high state of cultivation.  He is accounted one of the leading farmers of the county, and 
successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1885, when he retired from active life and removed to Markesan.
 
To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born five children:  Ellen, born Oct. 16, 1848, is now the wife of M. B. Peacock of 
Beaver Dam, Wis.; Lucy, born Aug. 28, 1850, is the wife of C. S. Morris, of Berlin; Edgar C., born Dec. 28, 1852, is 
now representing his district in the General Assembly; Sarah L., born April 14, 1859, is the wife of Frank Bond, of 
Manchester, Green Lake County; Charles H., born June 1, 1863.
 
Mr. Smith has ever taken great interest in public affairs, and is numbered among the prominent citizens of Green Lake 
County.  He was instrumental in the organization of the town and county, and has been honored with various official 
positions.  In 1847 he served as Collector of Marquette County, which then comprised Green Lake, and during his term 
of service collected $5,000.  For several terms he served as Side Supervisor, and was also Chairman of the Town Board.  
In 1862 he was elected to the State Legislature by the Republican party.  In the many positions of honor and trust to 
which he has been elected he has ever discharged his duties in a prompt and able manner and won the confidence and 
high regard of all:  He continued to support the Republican party until 1872, when he joined the Democratic party.  
In his business relations Mr. Smith's course has been marked with the greatest honesty and uprightness.  He scorns 
to do an injury to any one, his life ever having been such as to win the greatest respect of all.  No trust has ever 
been imposed upon him but has received his careful attention and been discharged in the most satisfactory manner.  
He and his wife are now living in retirement in Markesan, in the enjoyment of the fruits of former toil.  Their home 
is the abode of hospitality, the old time courtesy and cordiality of pioneer days still remains, and their many 
friends are sure of a hearty welcome.
  





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