JOHN O. SMITH, M. D., one of the first physicians of Kent county, was born in New Milford, Conn., in 1807. His mother dying when he was but a small child, he went to live with his uncle, JOHN ORTON, who gave him his education in the high schools of New Milford. He afterward learned the cabinet trade, but his health failing, he returned to his uncle, who was a physician, and commenced the study of that profession. He then taught school in order to obtain means to buy medical books, and at the same time studying nights and leisure hours. After his school closed he returned to New Milford and attended lectures, etc., and subsequently attended the Hartford Medical College and graduated as Doctor of Medicine. In 1837 he came to Ada, Kent Co., Mich., and settled on a farm of 240 acres, on secs. 14 and 15. Here he practiced among the whites and Indians. His circuit included a large portion of Kent county. He followed the Indian trails and by-paths by night and by day, whenever called upon. He was truly the pioneer doctor of Kent county. Dr. Smith was married in 1851, to MISS MARY A. McHUGH, who took up the study and practice of medicine, is still living, and is a successful practitioner. Aug. 25, 1879, Dr. Smith departed this life in the midst of usefulness, loved and respected by many.

HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN (Illustrated), Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Chicago, 1881, Pg. 516 (Grand Rapids Township - Biographical Sketch of JOHN O. SMITH, M.D.).

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KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN, DEATH RECORDS (1879), Pg. 70, Record No. 451 - JOHN O. SMITH (Male-White-Married), died 15 September 1879, in Ada Township, aged 71 yrs, of "Heart Disease". John was a Farmer and his place of birth is UNKNOWN. His parentage is also UNKNOWN.

NOTE: As of 3 September 2012, a digital copy of this record can be viewed at: https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11928-99454-7?cc=1452402