Biography of Henry Smith, page 49/50, Atlas of DeKalb County, Indiana, J. H. 
Beers & Co., Chicago, Ill., 1880

Henry Smith, P. O. Butler, farmer and stock-raiser. He is a son of Archibald and 
Mary Smith, and was born in Stark County, Ohio, June 14, 1821. Married in 
Summit County, Ohio, February 14, 1841, Miss Jane Shainholtz. Children-
Elizabeth B., John C., Martin V., Mary J., Henry T., Sarah E.  Mr. Smith, after his 
marriage came to the wilderness of Indiana, and settled in the township where he 
now resides. With stout hearts he and his estimable wife began a home, which 
was but fairly under way when she was called home, her death taking place May 
22, 1852. After the death of his wife Mr. Smith felt the necessity of a companion 
and a mother to his children. It is not a common occurrence for a girl of eighteen 
to take the responsible position of mother to six small children and the care of the 
household, but such a person was Miss Emeline E. Robinson, who married Mr. 
Smith February 23, 1853, and who, beside attending to her daily duties, for many 
years spun and wove every yard of cloth that was needed by her large family. By 
this union, six  children have been born-James E. (deceased), Benjamin T. 
(deceased), Margaret S. (deceased), Amy (deceased), Orrin A., Owen Elby.  Mr. 
Smith’s father was a native of Scotland, his mother of England. They settled early 
in Ohio, and were members of the Church of England.  He was a farmer, 
politically an old-line Whig.  Mrs. Smith is truly an exemplary woman, and is 
well worthy of the esteem in which she is held by all who know her. She, as well 
as her husband, are members of the M. E. Church. Their home is appropriately 
named “Lovely Dale,” and is certainly a lovely home within and without. A view 
of the buildings and grounds will be found in the Atlas. In politics, Mr. Smith is a 
Republican.



Submitted by:

Arlene Goodwin

Auburn, Indiana

Agoodwin@ctlnet.com