Granville T. Smitha

    Granville T. Smitha, farmer, Monroe Township, was born September 1, 1814, in Woodford County, Kentucky. He is the son of John Smitha, who was born in Penn County, Virginia, and removed to Kentucky in the beginning of this century; and came from there to Indiana in 1819; settled in Jefferson County,  at the head of Crooked Creek, lived here some two years, then removed into the Woodfill neighborhood, and then moved to Ripley County; after remaining there some time came back to Jefferson County, near Bryantsburgh, where he bought land near the Robbins' farm, in Shelby Township. They boyhood of the subject of this sketch was passed principally on this farm. In 1832, October 18, Granville T. Smitha was married to Eliza E. Robbins, daughter of Wm. Robbins (whose sketch appears in this book). They had fourteen children as the result of their marriage: Wm. R., John, Willis H., Elizabeth R., Granville T., Mary A. R., Eliza Jane, Susan A., Melissa J., James B., Jeptha, Jerusia, Albert, and an infant.

    Mr. Smitha was born on a farm, and raised a farmer's boy and man, and is now an old farmer. He was educated in the schools of his youth (very different from those of this day). He is an earnest supporter and a prominent member of the Baptist Church. He saw Indians here, and tasted of all the hardships of a pioneer life, and is now in declining health and years, enjoying the products of his labors, both physically and socially, of early life. He owns 106 acres of land, and lives comfortable upon it. His oldest son, Wm. R., was raised on the farm, and at the second call for volunteers enlisted in Company C, Eighty-second Regiment Indiana Infantry Volunteers, August 13, 1862, and was with Sherman on his "March to the Sea," and in all of the engagements of his regiment. He was wounded twice. He lives at Edinburgh.

    Albert A., the youngest son of Granville T., was born December 13, 1857; was educated in the school of his township, and married March 14, 1878, to Mollie Anderson. They have four children: Charles, William, John and Florence. He is a good young and energetic farmer and a good citizen.

Source: Biographical and Historical Souvenir for the counties of Clark, Crawford, Harrison, Floyd, Jefferson, Jennings, Scott and Washington, Indiana. By John M. Gresham & Co., 1889.