Robert Smith and Emma Heckman

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Husband Robert Smith ¹

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           Born: 5 Feb 1841 - Haines Twp, Centre Co, PA 1
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         Father: Charles Smith (      -      ) 2
         Mother: Elizabeth Schnure (      -      ) 2

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       Marriage: 

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Wife Emma Heckman ³

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         Father: John F. Heckman (      -      ) 3
         Mother: Fietta Fisher (      -      ) 3

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Children

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1 F Rosa Smith ³

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           Born: Jan 1891 3
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2 F Ruth Smith ³

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           Born: 1 May 1896 3
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General Notes: Husband - Robert Smith

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He was reared after the usual custom in that time and locality, assisting in the "chores" at home, and securing such instruction as he could in the schools of the neighborhood. At eighteen he began to learn the carpenter's trade with Squire Rinehart, and after one year engaged in work as a journeyman. Having a desire to see something of the world, he spent some years in traveling about, working at his trade in various places from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and visiting the main points of interest in the country. In 1873, weary of roving, and with a mind well stored with the practical information thus gained, he returned to Centre County, Pennsylvania, and located at Bellefonte, entering the employ of W. V. Hughes, as an ordinary workman. By the end of a year he had shown such marked ability in all lines of work, that he was made foreman, and this responsible position he held some thirteen years, overseeing the construction of many important buildings from foundation to roof. He then undertook, on his own account, the contract for the Reformed church building at Aaronsburg, and after the successful completion of that work he went to California, and spent two years visiting friends and doing some work as occasion offered. On his return in 1889, he resumed his old position with Mr. Hughes and superintended the construction of two buildings at Johnstown, Pennsylvania-the Library and the Cambria Iron Company's store-replacing those destroyed by the flood. In the fall of 1891 he gave up his position and in the latter part of 1892 he purchased from the Barcroft estate some valuable property, at Spring Mills, comprising a hotel, which he sold in 1896, two residences, and two store buildings. These he placed in thorough repair, and beginning in February, 1893, he made his home at Spring Mills, his elegant and luxuriously furnished residence being a delightful spot in which to pass his retirement.
He and his wife were leading members of the Reformed Church, and he held office as deacon and elder therein. He also belonged to the I. O. O. F. of Bellefonte.
In his political views he wes a Republican, and his first vote in a Presidential campaign was cast, in 1864, for Abraham Lincoln.

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General Notes: Wife - Emma Heckman

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Penn Hall, Centre Co, PA

1 Editor, Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania, Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion. (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1898), Pg 484.

2 Editor, Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania, Including the Counties of Centre, Clinton, Union and Snyder. (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1898), Pg 858.

3 Editor, Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania, Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion. (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1898), Pg 485.