Biography

"Smith came to Onondaga Hill in 1827 from Massachusetts and bought the Onondaga Journal which he published until 1829 when he moved to Syracuse. In Syracuse he lived first on West Water Street between Joshua Forman and James Webb. In 1847 he moved to West Onondaga Street where he lived until his death. Across the street lived Rev. George H. Hulin, the editor of the Religious Recorder.

Smith was friends with Thurlow Weed, Horace Greeley and William Seward with whom he met regularly to discuss politics and journalism. Smith was the editor of the Syracuse Journal, the first newspaper to establish a local column.

Smith married Caroline Earll in 1832, the daughter of Jonas Earll Jr. and Clarissa (Clara) Thomson of Onondaga Hill. They had one son, Carroll Earll, before she died in 1835. He then married Theodora Morey, the daughter of David Morey of Syracuse. They had Fillmore M., Seward V., and Florence A.

Smith was County Clerk 1846-1849, was appointed superintendent of Onondaga Salt Springs in 1855 by Governor Clark, and appointed Canal appraiser in 1873 by Governor John A. Dix." https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/54913412/vivus-wood-smith