J. ARTHUR SMITH, V. S.
J. Arthur Smith, V. S., was born and reared in the town of Westmoreland, Oneida county. He now owns and occupies the homestead of both his father and grand father. They came to the town in 1842 and
purchased the farm lying southwest of Rome in the most fertile and attractive part of the county. They came from Chester, England, and were from the most intelligent and thrifty stock of that
country. James Smith, father of the subject of this sketch and portrait herewith, was also a veterinary surgeon before coming to this country, having attained an advanced standing in the profession,
being a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons of London. He continued in the practice during his life in Westmoreland and was counted one of the most successful in Oneida county. He was
well known throughout a wide region of territory. Besides this he was among the foremost farmers of the State. He was industrious, prudent and prosperous; and moreover an upright, respected citizen.
His ideas of thrift in farming, which had been a part of his education in England, were applied in the same line here, with the result that he made and developed one of the finest and most valuable
farm properties to be found among the many attractive farm realties in the town. He was also an extensive dealer in horses, and invested considerable money in the business. He married Mary Ann
Gypson, of Westmoreland, by whom he had three sons, Willard R., Charles G., and James Arthur. Willard R. is a resident of Buffalo, N. Y., and Charles G. is in business in Chicago. Dr. James Smith,
the father, died in 1891; Mrs. Smith, his wife, is still living.
Dr. J. Arthur Smith was born on this homestead May 11, 1861, where he has spent the greater part of his life. He received the rudiments of his education at the district school in Westmoreland and afterwards took a course at the old Whitestown Seminary. Subsequently he attended the New York Veterinary College with the view to continuing the profession in which both his father and grandfather had achieved success. He has therefore grown up in the practice, and this long experience and thorough knowledge of the science has given him the foundation for his unusual success. But in addition to this he carries on the farm with quite as much or more ability as those who devote themselves to that one industry.
Dr. Smith is an earnest Republican in politics and always takes a deep interest in the party's behalf.Page 36