Born as Franciszek Bielawa in Kemblowo, Miloslaw parish and district, Prussia (now in Poland). Son of Wojciech (Albert) Bielawa and Franciszka Orzechowska. When his mother died, his father married Balbina Hoffman.

Franciszek Bielawa immigrated to America on 17 Dec 1887 from the port of Bremen on the S.S. Eider to Schenectady. He served in the army under the name Frank Smith and Frank Shmit. Although his grave marker shows 1880-1944, St. Agnes Cemetery office had the application for military headstone, which showed the correct enlistment dates and company/regiment as found on documents with Frank Smith's grandson Frank (son of Chester). Also, the grave marker was to be delivered to Mary Shmit at 121 Orange Street in Albany, which was the address where his wife Mary Smith and son Chester Smith were living.

Frank Smith was married to Mary Kaiser; they had children: Frank J., Helen A., Edward J., Stella G., Eleanor M. His second wife was Anna Sniecinska; they had children: Thomas, Joseph F., Stanley S., Anna, Pauline T., Mary M.. His third wife was Mary Smolinska; they had child: Chester P..

Born as Franciszek Bielawa in Kemblowo, Miloslaw parish and district, Prussia (now in Poland). Son of Wojciech (Albert) Bielawa and Franciszka Orzechowska. When his mother died, his father married Balbina Hoffman.

Franciszek Bielawa immigrated to America on 17 Dec 1887 from the port of Bremen on the S.S. Eider to Schenectady. He served in the army under the name Frank Smith and Frank Shmit. Although his grave marker shows 1880-1944, St. Agnes Cemetery office had the application for military headstone, which showed the correct enlistment dates and company/regiment as found on documents with Frank Smith's grandson Frank (son of Chester). Also, the grave marker was to be delivered to Mary Shmit at 121 Orange Street in Albany, which was the address where his wife Mary Smith and son Chester Smith were living.

Frank Smith was married to Mary Kaiser; they had children: Frank J., Helen A., Edward J., Stella G., Eleanor M. His second wife was Anna Sniecinska; they had children: Thomas, Joseph F., Stanley S., Anna, Pauline T., Mary M.. His third wife was Mary Smolinska; they had child: Chester P..