THOMAS J. SMITH

From the 1887 History of Vernon County, Missouri, p. 742-743:

Thomas J. Smith

(Of the Home Lumber Co., Schell City).

   The business of the Home Lumber Company, a corporation with yards at numerous points in this portion of Missouri, and of sound financial standing and worth, is conducted and managed at Schell City by Thomas J. Smith, a well known citizen of Vernon county, and one who enjoys to an unlimited extent the sincere confidence of the entire community.  He is a native of Washington, D. C., and was born January 9, 1830, his father, John Smith, originally of England origin, having emigrated to the United States when young, his death occurring in that city in 1837.  His wife preceded him to the grave some five years, dying in 1832.  Thomas J., the youngest of five children, removed to St. Louis, Mo., when 14 years old, and there learned the trade of bricklaying, also engaging in contracting.  Subsequently in 1870 he settled in Nevada and soon became intimately connected with the affairs of that city, serving for two terms as its mayor.  Three years later, or in 1873, he returned to St. Louis, and subsequently in 1878 entered the employ of J. W. Cleland, at Schell City, in the lumber business.  Upon the organization of the Home Lumber Co., he took charge of the business at this point and here he has since remained, now being a stockholder and one of the directors of the company.  This business has become a leading factor in the commercial interests of the place.  All transactions have been so conducted as to make the business a success, and is still proving a satisfactory source of profit.  For years Mr. Smith had charge of the town company and in this capacity also gained wide acquaintance.  As has been intimated his connection with the interests of Schell City has proven of inestimable value to her.  The present school building, the pride of the place, is due largely to the efforts of Mr. Smith, and in many other ways has he worked and labored personally for the town’s advancement.  He has served as a member of the town board, and has always taken great interest in educational matters, having served seven years as treasurer of the board, and president two years.  In 1862 he married Miss Laura J. Wilson, of St. Louis.  Their only surviving daughter, Addie M., is now the wife of J. R. Cunning.  Mr. Smith belongs to the A. F. and A. M.

[Transcribed by Becky Siple]

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