J. R. Smith

J. R. SMITH, a successful attorney and enterprising coal operator and manufacturer of Scottdale, Westmore1and county, Pennsylvania, was born March 29, 1850, the son of Jesse P. and Sarah (Robinson) Smith, and descends from German ancestry. His paternal grandfather came from Germany about 1790 and settled in Cass township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. He was a farmer of the sturdy type and prominent in the Methodist Episcopal church. He married a Miss Parnell, in Germany. They had six sons, of whom Mr. Smith's father was one. His name was Jesse, and he was next to the youngest son.

Jesse P. Smith, the father, was a soldier in the Civil war in the Union army under General George B. McC1ellan. He was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, March 9, 1812. He followed farming for a livelihood. In religion he was identified with the Methodist Protestant church, and was a Republican in his political affiliations. He married Sarah Robinson, daughter of Vincent and Susan (Hess) Robinson, all of the same county. They were of Scotch parentage. Mr. and Mrs. Jesse P. Smith's children were: Thomas G.; Samuel H.; Mary S. (Mrs. Cook); J. R., see forward; Eliza Jane; Isaac Newton.

J. R. Smith, son of Jesse P. Smith, received his education at the common schools, and later took an academic course. He was reared to farm labor in Todd township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and read law with the well known law firm of Brown and Bailey, of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. He was admitted to the bar in the county of his native city in 1879, removing to Westmoreland county in 1881. He was admitted to the practice in the supreme courts in 1887, and soon after the organization of the superior court, and also a member of the United States court. Aside from his professional career he is interested in coal mining operations and manufacturing industries in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and in the state of West Virginia. He has a law office at Greensburg. Being a firm believer in the principles of the Republican party, he has always cast his vote with this party. Aside from holding the office of school director, he has never sought or held public office. He is a member of the Presbyterian church at Scottdale. He was married. October 2, 1884, near Ligonier Pennsylvania, to Clara S. Clifford, who received a common school and academic education. Her father, C. Myers Clifford, and mother, Susan (McElroy) Clifford, are farmers. Their children are: Jessie Anna, Clifford M., Vincent Robinson, Marquis McElroy, all born in Scottdale, Pennsylvania, all unmarried at this time.

Source: Page(s) 89-91, History of Westmoreland County, Volume II, Pennsylvania by John N Boucher. New York, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1906.
Transcribed February 2006 by Nathan Zipfel for the Westmoreland County History Project
Contributed for use by the Westmoreland County Genealogy Project (http://www.pa-roots.com/westmoreland/)

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