Joseph Williams Smart
Joseph Williams Smart was long one of Scioto Township's most respected citizens, where he owned much property and lived a long and exemplary life. He was born in Scioto Township, Delaware County, Ohio, Augusl 17, 1842, and is a son of Isaac and Eliza (Williams) Smart. He died November 1, 1884. Isaac Smart was born on the site of the present city of Columbus and was a pioneer in Scioto Township, where he acquired a farm in what is called the North Wood. He built there a log house, wisely choosing a location near a spring of water, and engaged in farming all his subsequent life. He reared a large family.
Joseph Williams Smart was reared on his father's farm. When the Civil War was declared, he enlisted in 1861, entering Company K, Sixty-sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and remained in the service three years and nine months. He was a brave and capable soldier, firmly enduring the many hardships and facing the dangers incident to active military life. On two occasions he was wounded, first at Cedar Mountain, when some of his teeth were shot out, and second at Leach Tree Creek, when he received a wound in the hip.
In 1874 Mr. Smart was married to Mary Richey. who was born October 11, 1837, and who ,till survives, in perfect mental and physical health. She is a daughter of James Richey, a former teacher and a justice of the peace of Scioto Township. There were six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Smart, four of whom grew to mature years, namely: William P.; Edith, who married Edward Slocum; James Richey. and Joseph Clay, all residing in Scioto Township. The late Joseph Williams Smart was a worthy member of the old Stone Presbyterian Church at South Radnor, and was one of its trustees. Mrs. Smart belongs to the Presbyterian Church at Ostrander.
Mr. Smart bought his first farm after his marriage and during his lifetime owned three different farm, buying a large one at each change. He carried on general farming and raised stock. In his early years of manhood, he voted with the Democratic party but in later years he became a Prohibitionist. He was a kind and affectionate husband, a careful father and on honorable member of his community.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Edited and compiled by James R. Lytle, Delaware, Ohio, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908