Orville L. Smith

Orville L. Smith

ORVILLE L. SMITH, farmer, section 12, Barton Township, was born Aug. 6, 1849, in Madison Co., N.Y. His parents, Daniel D. and Sylvia L. (Chappell) Smith, were also natives of that county, and resided there until the month of April, 1865, when they removed to Michigan and fixed their residence at Grand Rapids for a time. In the winter of 1867 they came to Newaygo County, where they are still residing.

Mr. Smith obtained his education at the common schools of Madison and Kent Counties, and was bred to the calling of a farmer. He accompanied his parents to this county and continued as an assistant on the home farm until he was 22 years old. He was married Jan. 8, 1871, to Lura, daughter of Nelson and Areanda (Bissell) Phelps, born in the State of New York, July 23, 1853. Her parents were also natives of the Empire State and settled in Michigan in the spring of 1867. Her father is yet living; her mother died Feb. 1, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have four children, born in the following order: Orville A., Jan. 19, 1873; Daniel D., June 3, 1875; Lura ZM., Jan. 23, 1877; Bertha I., Nov. 18, 1880.

Mr. Smith is a Prohibitionist in political attitude; himself and wife belong to the M.E. Church. He is the proprietor of 40 acres of land, under fair improvements.

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