CAPTAIN WILLIAM SMITH, another old settler, dates his birth in Herkimer county. New York, on the 5th of October, 1817. When nine years old, he removed with his parents to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where he remained three years, and thence to Montgomery county, New York, which was his home until 1837. He then commenced work on board the barges and steamers on the Hudson river, steadily advancing from one position to another, until he was made Captain, holding the position many years, plying between Albany and New York. He came to Benton county in October, 1854, and pre-empted the farm on which he now lives. He was elected County Commissioner in 1855, and served about seven years; was one of the first Supervisors of St. George township, and was Chairman thirteen years; has also held the offices of Assessor and Treasurer a number of years. He was married in 1836, to Susan M. Flansburg, of Schoharie county, New York. They have three children; Alonzo, Melissa, and Ezra.

History of the Upper Mississippi Valley (1881) pp. 363-4 [Minden]