Joseph Mason Smith Sr.

  General Notes:

POM DOM per IGI files
photos and genealogy of Joe Swinehart on FTM
At 28 years of age, Joseph Mason Smith, or Mason as he was always known, married Sallie May Straw on November 6, 1860. The first 16 years of their married life they lived in a cabin built by an Indian by the name of Sarrahas. They had nine children. They were Mary Christena "Tena" Smith, William Scott Smith, Gnettie May Smith, Anna Viola Smith, Eunice "Eun" Ellen Smith, David Straw Smith, Sallie May Smith, Joseph Mason Smith, and George Robin Smith. In addition to the land that he gave to his children, Joseph Mason Smith gave each child a handmade oak bedroom suite that he had made in Upper Sandusky. Tena Smith Hufford gave her bedroom suit to her daughter Martha Hufford Shough before her death. Martha still has it and has indicated that it is to be passed on after her death to Tena Koehler whom was named after Tena Smith Hufford

The following was copied from the Crane Township section of the History of Wyandot County:
JOSEPH M. SMITH, one of the most prominent farmers of this township, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, December 28, 1832. He is a son of Daniel and Mary (Duddleson) Smith, the former a native of Connecticut, the latter of Fairfield County, Ohio. They came to this locality in 1822, and resided here the remainder of their lives. There were nine children in the family, of whom but four are now living, namely, John, Henry H., Antoinette (wife of Robert Gier) and Joseph M.
Mr. Smith was one of the leading stock-dealers and farmers of the county during his life, at one time controlling over 3,000 acres of land. He died in 1865, his wife surviving till 1882. Joseph M., the subject of this notice, was engaged on the farm with his father till 1859, spending five years as a " cowboy, herding cattle on the open land. He was then tendered 400 acres of land, which he has since cultivated and improved, having cleared nearly 300 acres "from the sprout." He has dealt extensively in stock, and also conducted a large agricultural business, harvesting as many as 2,000 bushels of wheat in one season. He takes an active interest in agricultural matters, generally exhibiting stock at the county fairs, and keeping improved grades, with some thoroughbreds. He now owns 525 acres of excellent land, valued at $75 to $100 per acre, on which in 1876-77 he erected an elegant brick mansion at a cost of $12,000. It is provided with all the modern improvements-pantries, closets, hot and cold water, baths, etc.; is excellently planned, and, without doubt, one of the finest farm houses in the county.
Mr. Smith was married, November 6, 1860, to Miss Sallie M. Straw, who was born in this county July 4, 1839. She is the daughter of Samuel C. and Christina (Staily) Straw, her father being a native of Vermont, her mother of Pickaway County, Ohio. They had eleven children, six of whom are now living, namely, David, Malachi, Martin, Samuel, Eunice and Sallie M. Her parents located in this county about 1830, and resided here till their respective deaths, November 22, 1856, and August 11, 1876.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith have nine children, all living, namely: William S., born August 13, 1861; Nettie M., August 16, 1863; Anna V., August 10, 1865; Eunice E., October 16, 1867; David S., April 15, 1870; Mary C., August 5. 1873; Sallie M., November 24,1876; Joseph M., March 16, 1880; George R., September 29, 1882. Mr. Smith is not a politician, but favors Republicanism. He is known throughout the county as one of its most substantial and successful farmers, and is highly esteemed, both as a citizen and business man

Joseph married Sarah Mae Straw, daughter of Samuel Cady Straw and Christena P. Staley, on 2 Nov 1860 in Wyandot County, Ohio. (Sarah Mae Straw was born on 4 Jul 1839 in Wyandot County, Ohio, died on 28 Feb 1910 in Upper Sandusky, Wyandot County, Ohio and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery Upper Sandusky, Wyandot County, Ohio, USA.). The cause of her death was nephritis.