Matthew Smith and Elizabeth Hunter

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Husband Matthew Smith ¹

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           Born: Sep 1814 - County Donegal, Ireland 1
     Christened: 
           Died:  - Jefferson Co, PA
         Buried: 

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         Father: [Father] Smith (      -      )
         Mother: 

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       Marriage: Autumn, 1836 1

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Wife Elizabeth Hunter ¹

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           Born: 
     Christened: 
           Died: 
         Buried: 

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Children

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1 M John Smith ¹

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           Born: 1915 1
     Christened: 
           Died: 
         Buried: 

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2 M James Smith ¹

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           Born: 
     Christened: 
           Died: Aft 1917
         Buried: 

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3 M Andrew W. Smith ²

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           Born: 
     Christened: 
           Died: 
         Buried: 

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4 F Eleanor Smith ²

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           Born: 28 Mar 1839 2
     Christened: 
           Died: Aft 1917
         Buried: 

         Spouse: James Kearney (Abt 1829-1906) 3
           Marr: 19 Jan 1855 - the Beechwoods, Jefferson Co, PA 2

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5 F [Unk] Smith

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           Born: 
     Christened: 
           Died: Bef 1917
         Buried: 

         Spouse: Thomas Hutchison (      -      ) 1

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6 F [Unk] Smith

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           Born: 
     Christened: 
           Died: Aft 1917
         Buried: 

         Spouse: James G. Kearney (      -      ) 1

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General Notes: Husband - Matthew Smith

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He was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in a beautiful valley, that marks the boundary of Tyrone. When seven years of age he came with his mother and the other children to Pennsylvania, the father having already established a home in the Juniata valley. Soon afterwards, however, removal was made to Centre County, where the father and older sons worked in the iron mines and lumber woods. At the age of fourteen Matthew came to Jefferson County, where he became associated with his brother Andrew in chopping and clearing a small tract, returning on foot to Centre County. In the following year Matthew Smith returned and planted wheat on the little clearing, his brother Andrew also returning with the family. The father had purchased a tract of three hundred acres in the midst of a virgin forest, which included the farms later owned by Andrew and Matthew. The entire family soon were in the new home and applied themselves vigorously to the reclaiming of the land from the wilderness. Matthew Smith settled on the farm that continued to be his home until his death, and with the passing years caused the forest to disappear and to give place to well cleared and cultivated fields. He made good improvements and was one of the pioneers who lived to witness the transformation of a wilderness to a prosperous and advanced district marked by comfortable homes and valuable farms.

From a newspaper account:
"After a long life spent in good deeds and useful living, Matthew Smith, the aged philanthropist, prohibitionist and church worker of Grove Summit, met his death in a tragic manner. He was struck by a railroad train and was so badly injured that he died a few hours later. The accident occurred above Lane's Mills. Mr. Smith was at the farm of his son-in-law, James G. Kearney, looking after some farm duties in the absence of Mr. Kearney. Mr. Smith desired to go to a neighbor's to perform an errand, and his route led him across the Ridgway & Clearfield railroad track. The point at which he is thought to have attempted the crossing was at a high embankment, and he stepped upon the track just in time to be struck by the passenger train north. He was seen by the trainmen just as they were upon him, and although the engineer blew the whistle it was too late. Mr. Smith was struck by the engine and hurled from the track. As quickly as possible the train was stopped and backed up to where the unfortunate man lay. He showed signs of life and was tenderly placed in the baggage car and taken on to Brockwayville. Drs. Coffin and Davenport were called, and it was then that Mr. Smith was identified. He rallied somewhat and appeared to regain consciousness enough to inquire where he was and what had happened. He was conveyed to the home of his son-in-law, James Kearney, on the west side of town, and although he appeared to have lucid moments, these were followed by sinking spells, and a few moments before six o'clock he sank into the sleep that knows no waking.
"In the church Mr. Smith had been a conspicuous figure for many a year. From 1855 until his death he was a most earnest and devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to the work of which he contributed not only in personal service but also in a liberal financial way, his annual contributions having run about two hundred dollars for many years. His house was always a resort for church people and his hospitality was unbounded. The funeral was held at the homestead, a vast concourse of neighbors and friends attended the obsequies and the procession that followed the body to its last resting place was one of the largest that ever assembled in Beechwoods, Rev. D. S. Steadman conducting the services."

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General Notes: Wife - Elizabeth Hunter

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Her parents settled in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, about two years after the Smith family.

She died at the age of ninety-four years.

1 —, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, Her Pioneers and People, Vol. II (Chicago, IL: J. H. Beers & Company, 1917), Pg 427.

2 —, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, Her Pioneers and People, Vol. II (Chicago, IL: J. H. Beers & Company, 1917), Pg 426.

3 —, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, Her Pioneers and People, Vol. II (Chicago, IL: J. H. Beers & Company, 1917), Pg 51, 426.