From Beers, 1880, History of Darke Co., Ohio, p. 658. Brother to John Smith, Smith General Store.
Looking for the store or business location and clipping as well as photos. Anyone have the Arcanum Business book handy to research?
From the Arcanum Businesses book we read in 1886 that Charles H. Shepherd and A Frank Smith had a drug store at 105 West George which was the east side of the old John Smith General Store, now a church building. This would have been the end where the men’s department store was. There is also mention of A F and S D Smith, lot owners in 1854 at 112 West George Street which was the old meat market building taken down in 1947 for the new grain office and presently a residence at this location. This is not an extensive search; there may be other properties or locations as well of A F Smith.
A. F. Smith, druggist, Arcanum; one of the old settlers of Darke Co., and is a son of Jesse and Christina Smith, natives of Pennsylvania. He removed with his parents from Pennyslvania, to Preble Co., Ohio, in 1836, and remained there for a period of sixteen years, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits till 1852, when he abandoned that occupation, and removed to Arcanum the same year, and assisted his brothers in their business for two years, when he again resumed farming in Twin Township for a period of five years; and thirsting for a more active life, he returned to Arcanum and entered in a general mercantile business, which he followed for twelve years, with fair success; then embarked in the drug business, which he is still engaged in, and carries a full and perfect stock of drugs, paints, oils, and everything found in a first-class retain house. He was united in marriage with Miss Jane M., daughter of Herman and Margaret Conners, residents of Darke Co., in September, 1854. Two children have been given to this union, viz., Margaret E., and Eberle S. Mr. and Mrs. Conners departed this life within a few hours of each other and their bodies were interred in the same grave.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/93961991/a_franklin-smith
Please follow AWTHS blog guidelines. Credit is to be given to Beers History and Find-a-Grave.