The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1898-09-22


possessed in strong degree Of an ambi-
ton, to make something of the world,
and himself with others to enjoy the
benefits arising therefrom. Just here
for the presently was where his trouble
lay, how was he to get there3 without
means it was impossible to get passage
across the ocean; and being destitute in
that direction he could not carry out his
cherished plans. 1t is common saying
that "where there is a will, there is
way" and we are all aware, that firm
determination will in the end, triumph
though the opposition may seemingly be
something terrible to overcome.
There was at that time law in force
allowing shipowners, and vessel captains
the privilege Of selling to the highest
bidder, any person or persons whom they
might carry across the ocean, in order
that they might be recompensed for o
doing. When the vessel would arrive in
this country, notice was given that to pay
the passage way of certain persons on
board the vessel, their services would be
sold to the highest bidder for aperiod of
time, from two to ten years, and thus
payment for the passage would be re-
ceived by the captain of the vessel
Subject to the conditions of this law this
boy was finally taken aboard a vessel,
and carried to the land Of promise. Up
on arriving at New York his services
we're sold to a prosperous farmer Giving
not far from the city for the time that
should elapse until he had attained his
majority or twc1tyone years of age.
have never been able to ascertain the
amount paid for his services but 1T was
sufficient to amply compensate the vessel
captain for the favor done. ProvIdentially
for him he fell into good hands, and. could
not have been better used had he been a
son of the man who purchased him.
After serving faithfully the time speci-
fed mine years. he started out in life
for himself. His foster father gave him
something in the way of an outfit such
as a suit of clothing, a horse and saddle,
and possibly fifty dollars in money.
At that time this country was just pass
ing through the crucible Of war, our
forefathers having revolted from British
authority and dominion, were striving
to obtain for themselves that freedom
that would vouch safe unto them Life,
Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"
This boy on account of an afiliction
which he suffered from childhood that
of running sore) it was thought advisa-
BILE for him to remain out of the service,
and as he was subject to his purchaser
for great part of the time he did not
have the privilege to do, only as he was
directed. 1t has been left on record
however, that had he been a sound per
son, he would have shared the trials and
privations of those who fought and bled
in freedoms cause.
Conrad Smith, (for that was the name
of the boy) having now taken upon him.
self the duty Of going through life upon
his own resources worked around for
other people for time, until he had ac-
quired small competency with which
he purchased a home, then taking to
himself an estimable young woman for
wife Cby the name of Bonsman) he soon
became one of the staid and trusty Citi-
zens of his neighborhood; he had gone
west, and was now a resident of Skool-
kill Co. in the state of Pennsylvania
To this couple four children were born
one daughter and. three sons, OF two Of
the sons we know but little one of them
emigrated South into Georgia and may
have been the Grandfather of the ex
Secretary of the Interior, "Hoke Smith,
of this however we have no positive as
surance, but simply conjecture. AS near
as we can ascertain the other one located
near the city of Cincinnati. In proof of
that, in the year 1854, boat captain in
charge of a vessel running from New
Orleans to Pittsburg, while at Cincinnati
Chis home) obtained a furlough for a
time, in order to recruit his health which
had become somewhat impaired. He start
ed out on an overland trip from Cincin-
natl to Pittsburg walking the greater
part of the way. His name was Smith
his age about 40 years, his object in go
ing across the country was to find, il
possible, any relatives of his, who might
be living in the state of Ohio. He was
| aware that an uucle of his lived some
where in the state and his trip would be
made to try and learn something of the
whereabouts of him. He made it point
to inquire as he passed along if there
were any persons living in the neighbor
hood blythe name Of Smith. Wherever he
learned of person bearing that name he
would go to their houses and learn from
them where they we're originally from
and thus ascertain whether they were
the ones sought for or not. He said tha
he had no difficulty in finding grea
many persons bearing that name, but tc
find the right one was where the trouble
came in. When il the neighborhood o
Freeburg Stark Co. o. he learned of one
Jacob Smith living about mile and I
half from that place, and to carry out hi
design he visited him also. After little
inquiry he learned that he was his uncle
a brother of his father and he had at las
been rewarded by linding the persol
sought FOR, the reunion was joyful one
and for the first time in forty years o