S. E. Smith

S. E. SMITH, a prominent citizen of Melrose, who is engaged in general merchandising, also owns a fine farm of 160 acres in section 4, township 35, range 22, in Neosho township. He was born January 1, 1860, in Greene County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Edward and Sarah J. (Graham) Smith.

The parents of Mr. Smith were natives of Pennsylvania. They were quiet farming people and were highly respected in their locality, where both died, the father having passed away when the subject of this sketch was a small boy. Of their 13 children, but three now survive.

S. E. Smith was educated in his native township and remained on the farm in Pennsylvania until 1885, when he came to Cherokee County, Kansas, which has been his home ever since. For 14 years he was engaged in farming in Neosho township, but in 1900 he entered into mercantile pursuits at Melrose, where he has met with success, and has established an excellent business reputation.

In 1885 Mr. Smith was married to Martha J. Adams, who was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania, January 14, 1853, and is a daughter of Elijah and Martha Adams. They have three children,—Gertrude A., Margaret L. and Albert R.

Politically, Mr. Smith is a Populist, and an influential member of his party. He was the first member of this party to be elected to office in the township,—serving two years as trustee. He has been selected as his party's candidate for county commissioner and county treasurer, and on both occasions received a flattering support. Fraternally, he belongs to the Woodmen and to the Home Builders.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, instructor from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 6-27-97