H. B. Smith

    H. B. Smith, President of the Citizens Bank at Hartford City, is a native of Indiana, born in Winchester, Randolph County, November 22, 1847, a son of Jeremiah and Cynthia (Dye) Smith. He was reared at Winchester until fourteen years of age, where he had commenced his education, and on attaining that age he went to Indianapolis to attend the Northwestern Christian University (now known as the Butler University of Irvington). He attended this university from 1862 until 1865, and in the latter year went to Union City, where he learned the jeweler's trade.

    In April, 1869, he came to Hartford City, Blackford County, and engaged in the jewelry business, which he followed until February, 1877. He had been elected to the office of clerk of the court in 1876, and had disposed of his business to assume the duties of his office in August, 1877, his term expiring in August, 1881. In January, 1879 the Citizen's bank was organized and he had been elected its president, and after the expiration of his term of office he devoted his time exclusively to the business of the bank. In 1882, however, he was elected to represent the district composed of Blackford and Wells Counties, in the Indiana Legislature, and during the session he served on the house committee, State prisons, on the joint committee on State library, and one other joint committee.

    Mr. Smith was united in marriage in Blackford County in February, 1873, to Miss Nancy A. Holliday, a native of Blackford County, and a daughter of Joseph W. Holliday. Just before the Mexican war Mr. Holliday had been elected to represent the district of Jay and Blackford Counties in the Indiana State Legislature, but on the breaking out of the above war he enlisted as a soldier. On his return from the army he was again elected as Representative, and while in the Legislature his death occurred.

    Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of four children -Cynthia, Elizabeth, Gretta and Addie. Mr. Smith is a member of the A. F. & A. M., of which he has passed all the chairs, and has represented his lodge in the grand lodge of the State. He has been a member of the Democratic central committee in Blackford County several times, and twice has been its chairman.

Source: Biographical and Historical Record of Jay and Blackford Counties, Indiana by The Lewis Publishing Company, 1887.