PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM 1884
GRATIOT COUNTY, MICHIGAN
Page 294-295
ALBERT SMITH

Albert Smith, farmer, section 20, Emerson Township, was born in Baden, Germany, March 22, 1842, and is a son of Ignatius and Catharine (Kline) Smith, natives of Germany.

At the age of eight years he came with his parents to the United States, and settled in Seneca County, Ohio. His father died in Michigan in 1874, and his mother resides in Sumner Township, this county. When 15 years old he left home to learn the cabinet-makers trade, with an uncle. Leaving him he spent one year on a farm, and then enlisted in Co. A. 49th Ohio Inf., under a Capt. Langworthy. He joined the 4th Corps of the Army of the Cumberland, and participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing and Stone River and in numerous lesser engagements. At Stone River he was taken prisoner and detained about two weeks. He was then paroled, went to Columbus, Ohio, was taken sick and went home on furlough. On regaining his health he engaged in the lumber business in this state, following that until 1869.

November 4, of that year, he was married, at Alma, Gratiot County, to Josephine, daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Burgess) Griffeth, natives of the State of New York. She was born in Wayne County, Michigan, October 8, 1852, and when she was two years old her parents removed to St. Louis, this county. They afterwards settled in Emerson Township, where she lived until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs Smith settled on a farm of 80 acres in 1869, which he had purchased in 1865, and he has now 140 acres, of which 60 are well improved. They are the parents of three living children, and one dead: Lewis, born February 6, 1872; Bert A. born February 10, 1879; Emma, born June 23, 1880; James, born May 14, 1877, and died may 17, 1877. Mrs Smith is connected with the Baptist Church. Mr. Smith is a member of Emerson Lodge, No. 375, I. O. O. F. He has held the office of Highway Commissioner, and votes with the Democratic Party.