Biography

A merchant who was involved with the Holland Land Company. Found in 18370430WHS_BJS1: "Walter Smiths Mortgages are in any event a perfect security. Whether he closes his business himself or other close it for him our debt must eventually be paid.... As for Walter Smith's note – let the two accounts for which it was given be closed by reversion unless he come immediately and give a mortgage upon the land." Walter Smith lived near Fredonia, NY in Dunkirk. He helped promote Dunkirk as a terminus for railroad line and was very involved in the Chautauqua community. Also possibly found in 18370430WHS_BJS1. WHS and FMS travel from Westfield through Fredonia and Dunkirk. "We had a very comfortable sojourn at Fredonia in the new hotel – paid our respects to Mr and Mrs Smith...". Walter smith became the first mayor the Dunkirk when the city was incorporated in 1837.