Nevada Genealogy Trails Elko County Andrew H. Smith Biography

ANDREW H. SMITH. The German-American element in our citizenship is an important one. The Teutonic race has been a factor in the civilization of the world for many centuries, and the German empire has sent its sons into many lands, carrying with them the civilization and progress of their own country. They have assisted materially in the upbuilding of various sections of the world, and in the United States have borne an im- portant part in the work of development. Andrew H. Smith, a representative of the fatherland in Nevada, was born on the 5th of January, 1854. His father died in Germany, and in 1862 the mother, with her two sons. Joseph and Andrew H. emigrated to the United States, locating at Burlington, Wisconsin. Andrew H. Smith was then a lad of twelve summers. He had attended school to some extent in Germany, and he afterward spent one winter as a student in the schools of Burlington. In that city the mother continued to reside until called to her final rest when in the sixtieth year of her age.

Mr. Smith is the only member of the family in Nevada, and from his arrival in this country he has earned his own living, and assisted in the support of his mother while she was yet living. In Wisconsin he was employed in a brick yard, following that pursuit until his removal to the west in 1871. Coming to Nevada, he was employed in Washoe county for thirty dollars per month and his board. A little later he went to Virginia City, where he began working in the mines with pick and shovel, being thus employed until the great fire there. He then removed to San Francisco, where he secured a situation in a feed store, but in 1876 returned to Nevada, settling in Tuscarora. where he worked in the mines for twelve years, acquiring a practical knowledge of the business and gaining information that has been of much value to him in later years. He was for a time engaged in the brewing business, and in 1896 he purchased an interest in the Bull Run mine. In 1900, in connection with a partner, he built a ten-stamp mill and put in a cyanide process. They began the operation of the mill on the 1st of November, and continued it until the 1st of January. 1903. During which time they shipped one hundred and forty thousand dollars worth of bullion. On the expiration of that period they sold the mine and plant for one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Mr. Smith then retired from mining interests and established his home in Reno. Purcbasing a fine residence at the comer of Fourth and Chestnut streets, which he occupies with his family.

In 1887 occurred the marriage of Mr. Smith and Miss Katie Cuneux, a native of Nevada, born in Unionville and of French ancestry. They now have two children: Velma and Frank, both of whom are students. Mr. Smith is a Republican in his political allegiance, and fraternally is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Masons, having been raised in Tuscarora Lodge No. 1. F. & A. M. He is a past master of his lodge, and is deeply interested in its development, believing firmly in its principles and tenets.

Mr. Smith certainly deserves to be classed among the self-made men whose life records are worthy nf the highest commendation and of emulation. Starting out for himself at the early age of twelve years, he has since been dependent upon his own resources. Difficulties and obstacles have at times beset his path, but these have seemed but to serve as an impetus for renewed effort, and with laudable ambition to stimulate his energies and enterprise be has gradually worked his way upward until he is now in the possession of a handsome competence that enables him to live retired.

Source:
A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People
By Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company
Published by The Lewis publishing company, 1904