Dr. Peter Seward Smith

PETER S. SMITH, M. D.

Peter S. Smith, M D., was born in the town of Kortright, Delaware Co., N. Y., Dec. 25, 1812, being the son of Elijah C. and Electa Smith. His father was born in the town of Chatham, Columbia Co., N. Y., in 1788, and at seven years of age he came with his father to Kortright. In 1812 he was married, settled on a farm in that town, where he endured all the dangers and privations incident to frontier life. In 1819 he removed to Meredith, in the same county, still carrying on the business of farming. His family consisted of twelve children, of whom can be said, no nobler sons or worthier daughters have gone forth to bless the world. Mr. Smith ended a busy life Oct. 29, 1874, at the age of eighty-six years.

The subject of this sketch passed his early life on his father's farm, and what education he received was obtained at the district school; but at the age of twenty-four he attended medical lectures at Fairfield college, in Herkimer Co., N. Y., where he remained for two courses of lectures. In the spring of 1838 he attended college at Woodstock, Vt., where he received his diploma in June of that year.

The following year he commenced the practice of medicine in East Franklin, Delaware Co., and Oct. 10, 1839, was married to Betsey Tuttle, who was a native of the town of Meredith, Delaware Co. Their family consisted of four children, two of whom are now living,--Clinton, born Oct. 9, 1841; Charles L. born Jan. 8, 1847,--both being natives of Delaware county, the former still a resident there, and the latter residing in Nebraska.

Dr. Smith's wife quietly passed away from earth March 16, 1847. He was subsequently married to Mrs. Lucy Seeley, Sept. 16, 1847, and in the following year he removed to the town of Hartwick, Otsego Co., where he has since practiced medicine. His second wife died Jan. 7, 1863. He again married, Sept. 7, 1864, choosing Lydia R., daughter of Isaac S. Ford, of Richfield, as his companion. She was born in Salisbury, Herkimer Co., N. Y. Their family consisted of only one child, who died in infancy.

Dr. Smith was originally a member of the Democratic Party, but being opposed to the extension of slavery, in 1856 he joined the Republican ranks, of which party he has since been an active worker. He has held several town offices, having been supervisor during the years 1862 and 1863. He has regularly attended the Baptist church, and has given largely of his means for the support of various churches in his town. Dr. Smith is esteemed by his friends and neighbors not only for his skill as a practicing physician, but also for his good qualities of head and heart, which make him a worthy friend, a good neighbor, and an enterprising townsman.

Published: History of Otsego County, New York. With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, 1878, Page 166