Richard Smyth

Richard Smyth (Smith) came to Detroit about 1800, bringing with him his wife, Prudence Brady, and a son, John, who was born in Lexington, Ky. In 1803 he was marshal; in 1804, sheriff; in 1805, county treasurer, and appointed coroner, which office he refused to accept because the duties were performed by the marshal. He served as justice of the peace many times, beginning in 1807; was one of the trustees of the town in 1818, and held several other important offices. In 1805 he had a tavern near the corner of Woodward, west side and north of Woodbridge Street, adjacent to Dr. Scott's place. He kept this tavern until some time in 1824, when it became the Saginaw Hotel and was kept by Jesse Holly. (Farmer's History of Detroit and Michigan Vol. 1, page 480.) In September, 1805, he was made lieutenant of cavalry at Detroit; was appointed major in December, 1811; was colonel during the war of 1812, and in 1826 was appointed major general of militia. In 1807 he was also interested in the hatting business and had a young man, John McChesney, apprenticed to him. (Michigan Pioneer Collections, Vol. 36, page 183.) Three children are recorded—John Smyth, born in Lexington, Ky., and married at Detroit, November 6, 1821, to Josette Godfrey, who was born in Detroit, December 13. 1803, daughter of Gabriel Godfrey and Theresa Bondy. After his death she became a nun and Superior of the Order of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Hall-Godfroy Genealogy, page 96); Jane Smyth, who married Thomas Lyon of Michilimackinac, October 26, 1818, at Detroit (Genealogical Scrap Book III, page 187, Burton's Library); and Martha Smyth, who married Jeremiah V. R. Ten Eyck, May 14, 1819. The last years of his life were spent on Grosse He, where he died March 9, 1836. He was buried from Ste. Anne's Church and the senate adjourned to attend the funeral March 11. His wife, Prudence, received a donation lot, No. 33, section 7, on February 17, 1809. (Diary of Detroit, Manuscript, Burton Library, and Manuscript, Vol. 34, page 29.)

Source: Governor and judges journal: proceedings of the Land board of Detroit. By Michigan. Commission on land title. 1915 - Detroit (Mich.), page 163.