Person

William W. Smith

Individual Identifier: ind_SmithWilliamW

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DescriptionBorn in Constantia, New York. Brother of Frank Smith. Came to Traverse City in 1860. At 13 was employed by Hannah, Lay & Co. in the sawmill, then became a cabin boy for one of Hannah, Lay & Co steamboats from 1864-1866. 1866-1874 was a general worker for Hannah, Lay & Co. 1874-1884 was in the grocery department, in the summer worked at the saw mill, in the woods in the winter, and steward/clerk of the Steamer "City of Traverse" then the Steamer "Faxton" between Traverse City, Charlevoix and Petoskey, and Harbor Springs. Became the manager of the large flouring mill on the Boardman River near Sixth Street and Union street. Ten years as the alderman of one of the wards of Traverse City, two years as the mayor, and as water commissioner. Married Susan E. Reynolds in 1853. A mason, Odd Fellow, Knights of Maccabees, Foresters, and the Knights of Pythias. In 1900, "Alderman, Third Ward on the Committee for Bridges, Fire and Water, Streets and Sidewalks, and Ways and Means. Also the Worthy Patron of Traverse City Chapter No. 147, Order of the Eastern Star and the Recorder for the Traverse City Commandery No. 41, Masonic Society.

Source of descriptionPortrait Herald edition, 1894, Old Settlers Historical and Chronological record by Wait: settled in GT Region