SMITH, MATTHEW
Washington, Rockdale Mills P.O., was born in county Donegal, Ireland, in Sept. 1814 and was a son of James and Ellen (Kearney) Smith, who came to Philadelphia in 1822. Matthew came to Pine Creek Twp., now Washington, in 1828, and in 1835 settled on the farm which he now occupies with his son, James, all of which he cleared and improved himself. He is now engaged in farming. He was married in Oct. 1836 to Elizabeth Hunter, a daughter of John and *Jane (see above - Brown) Hunter of Washington Twp. They have had 10 children: Ellen, James, Jane S., Mary A., John, Margaret, Andrew W., Nancy C., Eliza, and Rebecca.
HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA by Kate M. Scott and published in 1888, transcribed by Leah Rudolph.
Taken from "Jefferson County, Pennsylvania - Her Pioneers and
People," Vol. II, by Dr. William James McKnight, published in 1917 by J.H. Beers & Company, Chicago, page 427.
MATTHEW SMITH.
Measured by its integrity and tolerance, as well as by material accomplishment, the life of this pioneer counted for much. It was his to meet a tragic death, on the 24th of September, 1895, and from a newspaper account we take the following expressions:
"After a long life spent in good deeds and useful living, Matthew Smith, the aged philanthropist, prohibitionist and church worker of Grove Summit, met his death in a tragic manner. He was struck by a railroad train and was so badly injured that he died a few hours later. The accident occurred above Lane's Mills. Mr. Smith was at the farm of his son-in-law, James Kearney, looking after some farm duties in the absence of Mr. Kearney. Mr. Smith desired to go to a neighbor's to perform an errand, and his route led him across the Ridgway & Clearfield railroad track. The point at which he is thought to have attempted the crossing was at a high embankment, and he stepped upon the track just in time to be struck by the passenger train north. He was seen by the trainmen just as they were upon him, and although the engineer blew the whistle it was too late. Mr. Smith was struck by the engine and hurled from the track. As quickly as possible the train was stopped and backed up to where the unfortunate man lay. He showed signs of life and was tenderly placed in the baggage car and taken on to Brockwayville. Drs. Coffin and Davenport were called, and it was then that Mr. Smith was identified. He rallied somewhat and appeared to regain consciousness enough to inquire where he was and what happened. He was conveyed to the home of his son-in-law, James Kearney, on the west side of town, and although he appeared to have lucid moments, these were followed by
sinking spells, and a few moments before 6 o'clock he sank into the sleep that knows no waking.
In the church Mr. Smith had been a conspicuous figure for many a year. From 1855 until his death he was a most earnest and devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to the work of which he contributed not only in personal service but also in a liberal financial way, his annual contributions having run about $200 for many years. His house was always a resort for church people and his hospitality was unbounded. The funeral was held at the
homestead, a vast concourse of neighbors and friends attended the obsequies and the procession that followed the body to its last resting place was one of the largest that ever assembled in Beechwoods, Rev. D.S. Steadman conducting the services."
Matthew Smith was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in a beautiful valley, that marks the boundary of Tyrone, in September, 1814. When seven years of age he came with his mother and the other children to Pennsylvania, the father having already established a home in the Juniata valley. Soon afterwards, however, removal was made to Center county, where the father and older sons worked in the iron mines and lumber woods. At the age of fourteen Matthew came to Jefferson county, where he became associated with his brother Andrew Smith in chopping and clearing a small tract, returning on foot to Center county. In the following year Matthew Smith returned and planted wheat on the little clearing, his brother Andrew also returning with the family. The father had purchased a tract of 300 acres in the midst of a virgin forest, which included the farms later owned by Andrew and Matthew. The entire family soon were in the new home and applied themselves vigorously to the reclaiming of the land from the wilderness. Matthew Smith settled on the farm that continued to be his home until his death, and with the passing years caused the forest to disappear and to give place to well cleared and cultivated fields. He made good improvements and was one of the pioneers who lived to witness the transformation of a wilderness to a prosperous and advanced district marked by comfortable homes and valuable farms. He was true and loyal in all things, and his character was the positive expression of a noble and kindly nature.
In the autumn of 1836 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Matthew Smith to Elizabeth Hunter, whose parents settled in Jefferson county about two years after the Smith family. In 1886 Mr. and Mrs. Smith celebrated the 50th anniversary of their marriage, and after his death she continued to reside on the old homestead until summoned to
eternal rest, at the venerable age of 94 years. Mr. Smith was survived by three sons and three daughters, all of whom were at the time living within a few miles of the old homestead. Of these children John died in 1915; James and Andrew are on the old homestead; Eleanor, widow of James Kearney, resides on the homestead which became her place of abode soon after marriage, and on another page is entered memorial tribute to her husband. The other two
daughters are Mrs. Thomas Hutchison, who died at the age of 64, and Mrs. James G. Kearney, who still resides near Lane's Mills.
Matthew the second son was born in Ballybogan, county Donegal, Ireland, in Sept. of 1814, and came over with the family in 1822. He worked a number of years with his father, and then moved to the northern half of the first purchase in the Beechwoods, clearing up a farm there on which he lived until his death. He married Elizabeth Hunter on October 2lst 1836. To them were born ten children, Eleanor, Jane, James M., Mary Ann, John Hunter, Margaret Calhoun, Andrew W., Nancy, Eliza and Rebecca. Jane was married to W.J. Groves went west and died at Denver, in Colorado in August, 1884. The younger children, Nancy, Eliza and Rebecca died in childhood. Matthew Smith was a member of the Beechwoods M.E. Church, and, served his congregation many years as district steward. He was very zealous both in matters of church and state, and was an uncompromising prohibitionist. He died Sept. 24th, 1895, aged 81 years, and was buried in the Beechwoods cemetery. His wife is still living at the date of this writing, and is a member of the Grove Summit M.E. church. Her age is 92 years.
Washington, Rockdale Mills P.O., was born in county Donegal, Ireland, in Sept. 1814 and was a son of James and Ellen (Kearney) Smith, who came to Philadelphia in 1822. Matthew came to Pine Creek Twp., now Washington, in 1828, and in 1835 settled on the farm which he now occupies with his son, James, all of which he cleared and improved himself. He is now engaged in farming. He was married in Oct. 1836 to Elizabeth Hunter, a daughter of John and *Jane (see above - Brown) Hunter of Washington Twp. They have had 10 children: Ellen, James, Jane S., Mary A., John, Margaret, Andrew W., Nancy C., Eliza, and Rebecca.
HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA by Kate M. Scott and published in 1888, transcribed by Leah Rudolph.
Taken from "Jefferson County, Pennsylvania - Her Pioneers and
People," Vol. II, by Dr. William James McKnight, published in 1917 by J.H. Beers & Company, Chicago, page 427.
MATTHEW SMITH.
Measured by its integrity and tolerance, as well as by material accomplishment, the life of this pioneer counted for much. It was his to meet a tragic death, on the 24th of September, 1895, and from a newspaper account we take the following expressions:
"After a long life spent in good deeds and useful living, Matthew Smith, the aged philanthropist, prohibitionist and church worker of Grove Summit, met his death in a tragic manner. He was struck by a railroad train and was so badly injured that he died a few hours later. The accident occurred above Lane's Mills. Mr. Smith was at the farm of his son-in-law, James Kearney, looking after some farm duties in the absence of Mr. Kearney. Mr. Smith desired to go to a neighbor's to perform an errand, and his route led him across the Ridgway & Clearfield railroad track. The point at which he is thought to have attempted the crossing was at a high embankment, and he stepped upon the track just in time to be struck by the passenger train north. He was seen by the trainmen just as they were upon him, and although the engineer blew the whistle it was too late. Mr. Smith was struck by the engine and hurled from the track. As quickly as possible the train was stopped and backed up to where the unfortunate man lay. He showed signs of life and was tenderly placed in the baggage car and taken on to Brockwayville. Drs. Coffin and Davenport were called, and it was then that Mr. Smith was identified. He rallied somewhat and appeared to regain consciousness enough to inquire where he was and what happened. He was conveyed to the home of his son-in-law, James Kearney, on the west side of town, and although he appeared to have lucid moments, these were followed by
sinking spells, and a few moments before 6 o'clock he sank into the sleep that knows no waking.
In the church Mr. Smith had been a conspicuous figure for many a year. From 1855 until his death he was a most earnest and devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to the work of which he contributed not only in personal service but also in a liberal financial way, his annual contributions having run about $200 for many years. His house was always a resort for church people and his hospitality was unbounded. The funeral was held at the
homestead, a vast concourse of neighbors and friends attended the obsequies and the procession that followed the body to its last resting place was one of the largest that ever assembled in Beechwoods, Rev. D.S. Steadman conducting the services."
Matthew Smith was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in a beautiful valley, that marks the boundary of Tyrone, in September, 1814. When seven years of age he came with his mother and the other children to Pennsylvania, the father having already established a home in the Juniata valley. Soon afterwards, however, removal was made to Center county, where the father and older sons worked in the iron mines and lumber woods. At the age of fourteen Matthew came to Jefferson county, where he became associated with his brother Andrew Smith in chopping and clearing a small tract, returning on foot to Center county. In the following year Matthew Smith returned and planted wheat on the little clearing, his brother Andrew also returning with the family. The father had purchased a tract of 300 acres in the midst of a virgin forest, which included the farms later owned by Andrew and Matthew. The entire family soon were in the new home and applied themselves vigorously to the reclaiming of the land from the wilderness. Matthew Smith settled on the farm that continued to be his home until his death, and with the passing years caused the forest to disappear and to give place to well cleared and cultivated fields. He made good improvements and was one of the pioneers who lived to witness the transformation of a wilderness to a prosperous and advanced district marked by comfortable homes and valuable farms. He was true and loyal in all things, and his character was the positive expression of a noble and kindly nature.
In the autumn of 1836 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Matthew Smith to Elizabeth Hunter, whose parents settled in Jefferson county about two years after the Smith family. In 1886 Mr. and Mrs. Smith celebrated the 50th anniversary of their marriage, and after his death she continued to reside on the old homestead until summoned to
eternal rest, at the venerable age of 94 years. Mr. Smith was survived by three sons and three daughters, all of whom were at the time living within a few miles of the old homestead. Of these children John died in 1915; James and Andrew are on the old homestead; Eleanor, widow of James Kearney, resides on the homestead which became her place of abode soon after marriage, and on another page is entered memorial tribute to her husband. The other two
daughters are Mrs. Thomas Hutchison, who died at the age of 64, and Mrs. James G. Kearney, who still resides near Lane's Mills.
Matthew the second son was born in Ballybogan, county Donegal, Ireland, in Sept. of 1814, and came over with the family in 1822. He worked a number of years with his father, and then moved to the northern half of the first purchase in the Beechwoods, clearing up a farm there on which he lived until his death. He married Elizabeth Hunter on October 2lst 1836. To them were born ten children, Eleanor, Jane, James M., Mary Ann, John Hunter, Margaret Calhoun, Andrew W., Nancy, Eliza and Rebecca. Jane was married to W.J. Groves went west and died at Denver, in Colorado in August, 1884. The younger children, Nancy, Eliza and Rebecca died in childhood. Matthew Smith was a member of the Beechwoods M.E. Church, and, served his congregation many years as district steward. He was very zealous both in matters of church and state, and was an uncompromising prohibitionist. He died Sept. 24th, 1895, aged 81 years, and was buried in the Beechwoods cemetery. His wife is still living at the date of this writing, and is a member of the Grove Summit M.E. church. Her age is 92 years.
SMITH, MATTHEW
Washington, Rockdale Mills P.O., was born in county Donegal, Ireland, in Sept. 1814 and was a son of James and Ellen (Kearney) Smith, who came to Philadelphia in 1822. Matthew came to Pine Creek Twp., now Washington, in 1828, and in 1835 settled on the farm which he now occupies with his son, James, all of which he cleared and improved himself. He is now engaged in farming. He was married in Oct. 1836 to Elizabeth Hunter, a daughter of John and *Jane (see above - Brown) Hunter of Washington Twp. They have had 10 children: Ellen, James, Jane S., Mary A., John, Margaret, Andrew W., Nancy C., Eliza, and Rebecca.
HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA by Kate M. Scott and published in 1888, transcribed by Leah Rudolph.
Taken from "Jefferson County, Pennsylvania - Her Pioneers and
People," Vol. II, by Dr. William James McKnight, published in 1917 by J.H. Beers & Company, Chicago, page 427.
MATTHEW SMITH.
Measured by its integrity and tolerance, as well as by material accomplishment, the life of this pioneer counted for much. It was his to meet a tragic death, on the 24th of September, 1895, and from a newspaper account we take the following expressions:
"After a long life spent in good deeds and useful living, Matthew Smith, the aged philanthropist, prohibitionist and church worker of Grove Summit, met his death in a tragic manner. He was struck by a railroad train and was so badly injured that he died a few hours later. The accident occurred above Lane's Mills. Mr. Smith was at the farm of his son-in-law, James Kearney, looking after some farm duties in the absence of Mr. Kearney. Mr. Smith desired to go to a neighbor's to perform an errand, and his route led him across the Ridgway & Clearfield railroad track. The point at which he is thought to have attempted the crossing was at a high embankment, and he stepped upon the track just in time to be struck by the passenger train north. He was seen by the trainmen just as they were upon him, and although the engineer blew the whistle it was too late. Mr. Smith was struck by the engine and hurled from the track. As quickly as possible the train was stopped and backed up to where the unfortunate man lay. He showed signs of life and was tenderly placed in the baggage car and taken on to Brockwayville. Drs. Coffin and Davenport were called, and it was then that Mr. Smith was identified. He rallied somewhat and appeared to regain consciousness enough to inquire where he was and what happened. He was conveyed to the home of his son-in-law, James Kearney, on the west side of town, and although he appeared to have lucid moments, these were followed by
sinking spells, and a few moments before 6 o'clock he sank into the sleep that knows no waking.
In the church Mr. Smith had been a conspicuous figure for many a year. From 1855 until his death he was a most earnest and devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to the work of which he contributed not only in personal service but also in a liberal financial way, his annual contributions having run about $200 for many years. His house was always a resort for church people and his hospitality was unbounded. The funeral was held at the
homestead, a vast concourse of neighbors and friends attended the obsequies and the procession that followed the body to its last resting place was one of the largest that ever assembled in Beechwoods, Rev. D.S. Steadman conducting the services."
Matthew Smith was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in a beautiful valley, that marks the boundary of Tyrone, in September, 1814. When seven years of age he came with his mother and the other children to Pennsylvania, the father having already established a home in the Juniata valley. Soon afterwards, however, removal was made to Center county, where the father and older sons worked in the iron mines and lumber woods. At the age of fourteen Matthew came to Jefferson county, where he became associated with his brother Andrew Smith in chopping and clearing a small tract, returning on foot to Center county. In the following year Matthew Smith returned and planted wheat on the little clearing, his brother Andrew also returning with the family. The father had purchased a tract of 300 acres in the midst of a virgin forest, which included the farms later owned by Andrew and Matthew. The entire family soon were in the new home and applied themselves vigorously to the reclaiming of the land from the wilderness. Matthew Smith settled on the farm that continued to be his home until his death, and with the passing years caused the forest to disappear and to give place to well cleared and cultivated fields. He made good improvements and was one of the pioneers who lived to witness the transformation of a wilderness to a prosperous and advanced district marked by comfortable homes and valuable farms. He was true and loyal in all things, and his character was the positive expression of a noble and kindly nature.
In the autumn of 1836 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Matthew Smith to Elizabeth Hunter, whose parents settled in Jefferson county about two years after the Smith family. In 1886 Mr. and Mrs. Smith celebrated the 50th anniversary of their marriage, and after his death she continued to reside on the old homestead until summoned to
eternal rest, at the venerable age of 94 years. Mr. Smith was survived by three sons and three daughters, all of whom were at the time living within a few miles of the old homestead. Of these children John died in 1915; James and Andrew are on the old homestead; Eleanor, widow of James Kearney, resides on the homestead which became her place of abode soon after marriage, and on another page is entered memorial tribute to her husband. The other two
daughters are Mrs. Thomas Hutchison, who died at the age of 64, and Mrs. James G. Kearney, who still resides near Lane's Mills.
Matthew the second son was born in Ballybogan, county Donegal, Ireland, in Sept. of 1814, and came over with the family in 1822. He worked a number of years with his father, and then moved to the northern half of the first purchase in the Beechwoods, clearing up a farm there on which he lived until his death. He married Elizabeth Hunter on October 2lst 1836. To them were born ten children, Eleanor, Jane, James M., Mary Ann, John Hunter, Margaret Calhoun, Andrew W., Nancy, Eliza and Rebecca. Jane was married to W.J. Groves went west and died at Denver, in Colorado in August, 1884. The younger children, Nancy, Eliza and Rebecca died in childhood. Matthew Smith was a member of the Beechwoods M.E. Church, and, served his congregation many years as district steward. He was very zealous both in matters of church and state, and was an uncompromising prohibitionist. He died Sept. 24th, 1895, aged 81 years, and was buried in the Beechwoods cemetery. His wife is still living at the date of this writing, and is a member of the Grove Summit M.E. church. Her age is 92 years.
Washington, Rockdale Mills P.O., was born in county Donegal, Ireland, in Sept. 1814 and was a son of James and Ellen (Kearney) Smith, who came to Philadelphia in 1822. Matthew came to Pine Creek Twp., now Washington, in 1828, and in 1835 settled on the farm which he now occupies with his son, James, all of which he cleared and improved himself. He is now engaged in farming. He was married in Oct. 1836 to Elizabeth Hunter, a daughter of John and *Jane (see above - Brown) Hunter of Washington Twp. They have had 10 children: Ellen, James, Jane S., Mary A., John, Margaret, Andrew W., Nancy C., Eliza, and Rebecca.
HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA by Kate M. Scott and published in 1888, transcribed by Leah Rudolph.
Taken from "Jefferson County, Pennsylvania - Her Pioneers and
People," Vol. II, by Dr. William James McKnight, published in 1917 by J.H. Beers & Company, Chicago, page 427.
MATTHEW SMITH.
Measured by its integrity and tolerance, as well as by material accomplishment, the life of this pioneer counted for much. It was his to meet a tragic death, on the 24th of September, 1895, and from a newspaper account we take the following expressions:
"After a long life spent in good deeds and useful living, Matthew Smith, the aged philanthropist, prohibitionist and church worker of Grove Summit, met his death in a tragic manner. He was struck by a railroad train and was so badly injured that he died a few hours later. The accident occurred above Lane's Mills. Mr. Smith was at the farm of his son-in-law, James Kearney, looking after some farm duties in the absence of Mr. Kearney. Mr. Smith desired to go to a neighbor's to perform an errand, and his route led him across the Ridgway & Clearfield railroad track. The point at which he is thought to have attempted the crossing was at a high embankment, and he stepped upon the track just in time to be struck by the passenger train north. He was seen by the trainmen just as they were upon him, and although the engineer blew the whistle it was too late. Mr. Smith was struck by the engine and hurled from the track. As quickly as possible the train was stopped and backed up to where the unfortunate man lay. He showed signs of life and was tenderly placed in the baggage car and taken on to Brockwayville. Drs. Coffin and Davenport were called, and it was then that Mr. Smith was identified. He rallied somewhat and appeared to regain consciousness enough to inquire where he was and what happened. He was conveyed to the home of his son-in-law, James Kearney, on the west side of town, and although he appeared to have lucid moments, these were followed by
sinking spells, and a few moments before 6 o'clock he sank into the sleep that knows no waking.
In the church Mr. Smith had been a conspicuous figure for many a year. From 1855 until his death he was a most earnest and devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to the work of which he contributed not only in personal service but also in a liberal financial way, his annual contributions having run about $200 for many years. His house was always a resort for church people and his hospitality was unbounded. The funeral was held at the
homestead, a vast concourse of neighbors and friends attended the obsequies and the procession that followed the body to its last resting place was one of the largest that ever assembled in Beechwoods, Rev. D.S. Steadman conducting the services."
Matthew Smith was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in a beautiful valley, that marks the boundary of Tyrone, in September, 1814. When seven years of age he came with his mother and the other children to Pennsylvania, the father having already established a home in the Juniata valley. Soon afterwards, however, removal was made to Center county, where the father and older sons worked in the iron mines and lumber woods. At the age of fourteen Matthew came to Jefferson county, where he became associated with his brother Andrew Smith in chopping and clearing a small tract, returning on foot to Center county. In the following year Matthew Smith returned and planted wheat on the little clearing, his brother Andrew also returning with the family. The father had purchased a tract of 300 acres in the midst of a virgin forest, which included the farms later owned by Andrew and Matthew. The entire family soon were in the new home and applied themselves vigorously to the reclaiming of the land from the wilderness. Matthew Smith settled on the farm that continued to be his home until his death, and with the passing years caused the forest to disappear and to give place to well cleared and cultivated fields. He made good improvements and was one of the pioneers who lived to witness the transformation of a wilderness to a prosperous and advanced district marked by comfortable homes and valuable farms. He was true and loyal in all things, and his character was the positive expression of a noble and kindly nature.
In the autumn of 1836 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Matthew Smith to Elizabeth Hunter, whose parents settled in Jefferson county about two years after the Smith family. In 1886 Mr. and Mrs. Smith celebrated the 50th anniversary of their marriage, and after his death she continued to reside on the old homestead until summoned to
eternal rest, at the venerable age of 94 years. Mr. Smith was survived by three sons and three daughters, all of whom were at the time living within a few miles of the old homestead. Of these children John died in 1915; James and Andrew are on the old homestead; Eleanor, widow of James Kearney, resides on the homestead which became her place of abode soon after marriage, and on another page is entered memorial tribute to her husband. The other two
daughters are Mrs. Thomas Hutchison, who died at the age of 64, and Mrs. James G. Kearney, who still resides near Lane's Mills.
Matthew the second son was born in Ballybogan, county Donegal, Ireland, in Sept. of 1814, and came over with the family in 1822. He worked a number of years with his father, and then moved to the northern half of the first purchase in the Beechwoods, clearing up a farm there on which he lived until his death. He married Elizabeth Hunter on October 2lst 1836. To them were born ten children, Eleanor, Jane, James M., Mary Ann, John Hunter, Margaret Calhoun, Andrew W., Nancy, Eliza and Rebecca. Jane was married to W.J. Groves went west and died at Denver, in Colorado in August, 1884. The younger children, Nancy, Eliza and Rebecca died in childhood. Matthew Smith was a member of the Beechwoods M.E. Church, and, served his congregation many years as district steward. He was very zealous both in matters of church and state, and was an uncompromising prohibitionist. He died Sept. 24th, 1895, aged 81 years, and was buried in the Beechwoods cemetery. His wife is still living at the date of this writing, and is a member of the Grove Summit M.E. church. Her age is 92 years.
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