1900 Biography - Benjamin H. Smith

BENJAMIN H. SMITH, proprietor of one of the most completely equipped blacksmith and repair shops of central North Dakota, has been engaged in his calling in Steele, Kidder county, since the early settlement of that thriving town, and is widely known for his skill and workmanship. He also conducts a paint, oil and glass business and is enjoying well-earned success in his business enterprises.

Our subject was born in New York Mills, New York, in 1855, and was a son of Hoton and Marian (Stephens) Smith, the former of English descent and the latter a native of the state of New York. His father was a millwright and pattern maker and was known throughout central New York for his workmanship at his trade, which he followed throughout his career. His family came to America about seventy-five years ago. The maternal grandparents of our subject came to America prior to 1827.

Our subject was the youngest in a family of four children and was raised and educated in the village schools and at the age of eighteen was apprenticed to learn the wagonmaker's trade and spent three years at his apprenticeship with Andrew Luman, who had the reputation of turning out the best work in the county. He was a blacksmith also, and one of the best to be found and after three years our subject became proficient in the same business and worked with Mr. Luman two years more. He then established a shop for himself in New York Mills, in 1879, and operated the same there five years and in 1883 disposed of the same and went to North Dakota. He settled at Steele the same year and built a small shop and also took government land and erected a claim shanty on the same and resided thereon until he proved his claim. The farm, and also lots which he bought in Steele, declined in value soon afterward and he realized little or nothing from his purchase and it was not until 1891 that prosperity attended him. He has since sold his farming interests and devotes his entire attention to his business in Steele and has one of the best and largest repair shops in the state. He does general repairing aside from building several wagons each year, which bring top prices, because of their superiority. He now has a large plant, fitted with a gasoline engine, band and circular saws, emery wheels and turning lathes and employs two mechanics. He has personally fitted the shop with machinery and shafting and all is in perfect running order. His work extends over all Kidder and part of adjoining counties and he enjoys an extensive patronage.

Our subject was married, in 1883, in his native state, to Miss Emma Higby, a native of North Bay, Oneida county, New York. Mrs. Smith's father was a merchant and owned several boats on the Erie canal. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, named as follows: Hoton, Nellie, George and Addie, all of whom were born in North Dakota. Mr. Smith is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees. Politically, he is independent and is active in public affairs and has held numerous local offices.

Extracted 22 Nov 2020, by Norma Hass, from Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota published in 1900, page 774.