Biographies
from
The History of Otsego County, New York
1740-1878
D. Hamilton Hurd
Published by Everts & Fariss, Philadelphia
SMITH, Peter S., M.D.
Peter S. SMITH, M.D., was born in the town of Kortright,
Delaware Co., N.Y., Dec. 25 1812, being the son of Elijah C. and
Electa Smith. His father was born in the town of Chatham, Columbia
Co., N.Y., in 1788, and at seven years of age he came with his
father to Kortright. In 1812 he was married, and settled on a farm
in that town, where he endured all the dangers and privations incident
to frontier life. In 1819 he removed to Meredith, in the same county,
still carrying on the business of farming. His family consisted of
twelve children, of whom can be said, no nobler sons or worthier
daughters have gone forth to bless the world. Mr. Smith ended
a busy life Oct. 29, 1874, at the age of eighty-six years.
The subject of this sketch passed his early years on his father's
farm, and what education he received was obtained at the district
school; but at the age of twenty-four he attended medical lectures
at Fairfield college, in Herkimer Co., N.Y., where he remained for
two courses of lectures. In the spring of 1838 he attended college
at Woodstock, Vt., where he received his diploma in June of that
year. The following year he commenced the practice of medicine
in East Franklin, Delaware Co., and Oct. 10, 1839, was married to
Betsey TUTTLE, who was a native of the town of Meredith,
Delaware Co. Their family consisted of four children, two of whom
are now living, - Clinton, born Oct. 9, 1841; Charles L., born Jan.
8, 1847, - both being natives of Delaware county, the former still a
resident there, and the latter residing in Nebraska.
Dr. Smith's wife quietly passed away from the earth March 16,
1847. He was subsequently married to Mrs. Lucy SEELEY, Sept.
16, 1847, and in the following year he removed to the town of
Hartwick, Otsego Co., where he has since practiced medicine. His
second wife died Jan. 7, 1863. He again married, Sept. 7, 1864,
choosing Lydia R., daughter of Isaac S. FORD, of Richfield, as his
companion. She was born in Salisbury, Herkimer Co., N.Y. Their
family consisted of only one child, who died in infancy.
Dr. Smith was originally a member of the Democratic party, but
being opposed to the extension of slavery, in 1856 he joined the
Republican ranks, of which party since he has been an active worker.
He has held several town offices, having been supervisor during the
years 1862 and 1863. He has regularly attended the Baptist church,
and has given largely of his means for the support of various churches
in his town. Dr. Smith is esteemed by his friends and neighbors not
only for his skill as a practicing physician, but also for his good
qualities of head and heart, which make him a worthy friend, a
good neighbor, and an enterprising townsman.--
Excerpt from History of Otsego Co., NY, page 166