James E. Smith Biography

	This biography is from "Memorial and biographical record; an illustrated
	compendium of biography, containing a compendium of local biography,
	including biographical sketches of prominent old settlers and 
	representative citizens of South Dakota..." Published by G. A. 
	Ogle & Co., Chicago, 1898. Pages 429-430

	Scan, OCR and editing by Joy Fisher, jfisher@sdgenweb.com, 1999.

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JAMES E. SMITH is one of the most prominent druggists in De Smet, 
Kingsbury county.  In addition to a large stock of chemicals and 
various medicines, Mr. Smith deals in jewelry, stationery, books, oils 
and varnishes, wall papers, perfumes, etc.  He is one of the pioneers 
of De Smet, having settled there in 1881.  Mr. Smith was born in 
Cambridge, Lenawee county, Michigan, March 8, 1840.  His parents, 
Norman and Abagail (Hutchinson) Smith, were natives of Vermont, the 
former having been born October 18, 1799, and the latter April 8, 1810.  
They were among the early pioneers of the Wolverine state, and resided 
during their declining years at Eaton Rapids.  Mr. Smith died October 
14, 1853, while Mrs. Smith lived until the 19th of February, 1881.  
James was the fourth in a family of five children, the others being, 
Isaac S., Lois S., Mary A. and Eugene. He received his education in the 
common and high schools of Eaton county, Michigan, and when the war 
broke out he enlisted as a musician in the Sixth Infantry band. After 
two years' service the members of this band were discharged by act of 
congress. Mr. Smith then went into the quartermaster's office, at 
Nashville, where he remained until the close of the war.  He then 
returned to Eaton Rapids, Michigan, and engaged in the drug business at 
that place, in partnership with F. C. Wilcox, having previously learned 
pharmacy under Dr. A. C. Dutton, of Eaton Rapids.  Mr. Smith continued 
in business with Mr. Wilcox for about five years, then bought out his 
partner and became sole proprietor.  In 1881 he disposed of his place 
at Eaton Rapids and came to De Smet. For the first three years, in 
partnership with J. E. Howland, he conducted a hotel there.  He then 
sold his interest to his partner and retired. In 1890 Mr. Smith again 
embarked in the drug business with Drs. E. G. Davies and Earl Rice.  In 
December, 1896, Mr. Smith purchased Dr. Rice's share in the business, 
and he now controls three-fourths of the stock.  He has shown rare 
ability in the management of the store, and it is now one of the 
largest and most conspicuous successes of De Smet. Mr. Smith is a 
member of the South Dakota Pharmaceutical Association and also of the 
Masonic fraternity, A. 0. U. W. and G. A. R.  He is very popular among 
his host of customers and friends, and has always taken an active part 
in municipal and social affairs of his city.

Mr. Smith married Miss Virginia A. Havens, June 21, 1863, at Eaton 
Rapids, Michigan.  Mrs. Smith was born in Court-land county, New York, 
December 10,1845, and is a daughter of Thomas S. S. and Sarah A. 
Havens.  Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of three children, two of 
whom, Nora B. and Eva A., are deceased.  Rena A. is the wife of Dr. 
William E. Robinson, of Oelwein, Iowa.  Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members 
of the Congregational church.