Raynor R. Smith is justly deserving of being recognized as one of the progressive and successful tillers of the soil of Queens County, for in this occupation he has attained a degree of success that can only be accounted for in the fact that he as devoted the greater portion of his life to it. Nor is this all, for he has for many years been a dealer in oysters also and has found this enterprise to be profitable. Mr. Smith was born in the village of Freeport in 1842, his parents being William R. and Mary (Frost) Smith, the former of whom was a native of Freeport, and during his lifetime devoted his time and attention to farming on the bay, from which occupation he secured a comfortable competency. After a useful but unpretentious life his earthly career closed in September, 1893. His widow is now seven-eight years of age and is in the enjoyment of fair health for one of her years.

Raynor R. Smith was given such educational advantages as the schools of his youthful days afforded, but these were by no means of the best, and were limited to about three months during the year. However, by dint of application, he acquired a practical education, sufficient to transact the ordinary duties of life, and having thoroughly learned the details of farming under his father while growing up, at the age of twenty-three years he left the shelter of the parental roof and bean farming on his own responsibility, at the same time engaging in the oyster business, both of which occupations he has successfully carried on ever since. Mr. Smith has a commodious and comfortable residence in Freeport and is with justice regarded one of the representative citizens of the place.

In 1859 our subject married Miss Annie M. Story, a daughter of Jacob and Huldah (Terry) Story, natives and worth citizens of Long Island. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, eight of whom are living at the present time and are as follows: Angelica, wife of William Plyer, of Hempstead; Raynor R., Jr.,; Franklin M.; Elizabeth, wife of William Dunlop, of Freeport; William Harvey; Clara Bell; Mary and Percy. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have long been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Freeport, of which Mr. Smith is steward. Socially he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and politically has always supported the men and measures of the Democratic party. He has creditably served his fellow-citizens as town assessor and is at present one of the trustees of the village of Freeport, having held the latter position since the incorporation of the place. He is now treasurer of the Board of Water Commissioners of Freeport, and in everything pertaining to the welfare of this section he has always been interested and has given to it hearty and substantial support.


Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record of Queens County (Long Island) New York"
(Copyright 1896 by Chapman Publishing Company)

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