Biography

Henry C. Smith is possibly the subject of discussion in Frances Miller Seward's letter to Lazette Miller Worden on March 22, 1837: "You enquire about Henry Smith. While Henry was at home in January Dick applied to him to take his Henry a desk in the Land Office. Henry told him he would if any vacancy occurred. Soon after this Mr Lucas told Henry that Mrs Smith had desired him to intercede with Mr Seward to take Henry S. After Henry returned to Westfield (two or three weeks) he wrote to H. Smith telling him that he could employ him until the 1st of May but could make no engagement after that time as there would probably be a great diminution of business from that time. H. Smith called twice to let me know he was going... Common report says that Henry's habits are none of the most regular but Henry Seward says he is very industrious and facile – it may be of service to him in taking him from dissolute company." The name "Henry C. Smith" is also found in 18380515BJS_WHS within a chart BJS composed of transaction balances from the Chautauqua Land Office. "Smith" seems to be mentioned in several other letters in relation to the Chautauqua Land Office as well. Henry was married to Emaline Smith (nee Prime), and is likely the father of the grandson, Richard Prime Smith, listed in Margaret B. Smith's will.