SMITH, Savilian Fuller
Commemorative and Biographical Record of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, 
WI. Chicago: Ogle, 1901, p 314-316

For over 35 years the name of this gentleman has been familiar to the 
citizens of Reedsburg [Sauk County, WI], where he formerly was engaged in the 
hardware business. Since 1872 he has lived in retirement in his comfortable 
home in that city, but his career as a prominent worker for the advancement 
of his community did not cease with his abandoning active business life. Mr. 
SMITH was born in Knoxville, Oneida County, NY, 31 May 1831. His father, 
Timothy SMITH, was a native of Hartford [Hartford County], CT, and was 
descended from an old New England family. He was a shoemaker and currier by 
trade, and conducted a tannery at Knoxville, and later built an hotel there 
and was engaged in hotel keeping until his death. The building still stands, 
and is a familiar landmark. He was an industrious man, and successful in 
business, accumulating a fortune from a limited start in his business career. 
His death occurred in Watertown [Jefferson County], NY, 20 Aug 1873, aged 81 
years, nine months, and three days. The mother of our subject, Lucy (AVERY) 
SMITH, was descended from the AVERY family of Groton [New London County], CT, 
one of the oldest colonial families. Her father, David AVERY, removed to NY, 
and located near Hamilton [Madison County].

Our subject removed with his parents to Munnsville [Madison County], NY, when 
he was six years of age, and there he gained his education, attending the 
academy. At the age of 15 he began to learn the tinner's trade, and in 1851 
went to Muscatine [Muscatine County], IA. He located at Newport [Columbia 
County, WI], on the Wisconsin River, two years later, where he engaged in the 
hardware business, being a member of the firm STAR, SMITH & LEWIS. The firm 
dissolved partnership when the town was abandoned, and our subject went to 
Delton [Sauk County, WI] about 1860, where he continued in business two 
years. He moved from thence to Reedsburg [Sauk County, WI], where he 
established in the hardware business, which he conducted until 1872. He then 
disposed of his business to HAGENNAUGH & GIFFORD, since which time he has 
lived in retirement.

The store building which he occupied was erected by him in 1868, and in 1870 
his present residence was contracted. It is a fine piece of property, and 
his home is one of the pleasant homes of that city. Mr. SMITH is a brother 
of Perry H. SMITH, who was a prominent man in railroad circles, and for a 
number of years was vice president of the Northwestern Railroad. He died in 
1886.

Our subject was married in 1856 to Dorothy SMITH, daughter of Milo SMITH, of 
Reedsburg [Sauk County, WI]. The union proved an unhappy one, and a 
separation was granted in 1865. Two children were born of this union, Perry 
A. and Charles S., both of whom are prominent business men of Reedsburg. Mr. 
SMITH married Nellie E. EGGLESTON 04 May 1869. Mrs. SMITH was born in 
Waukesha [Waukesha County], WI, 27 Dec 1844, and was a daughter of Thomas and 
Deborah EGGLESTON, of Fox Lake [Dodge County], WI. Her parents came from 
Chipperwolton, England, and Mr. EGGLESTON was a baker by trade, and afterward 
followed the business of architect. He designed and erected the state 
capitol at Madison, WI, and many of the public buildings of other places, 
including Fox Lake and Beaver Dam [both in Dodge County, WI]. One daughter 
has been born to Mr. and Mrs. SMITH, upon whom they have bestowed the name of 
Bird Lucy. The family attend the Presbyterian church, and Mr. SMITH is a 
Universalist in belief, but not connected with any society. 

Mr. SMITH is prominent in secret society circles, and is one of the oldest 
members of the Masonic fraternity, being initiated into that order 21 Oct 
1856; exalted to the Royal Arch 10 Jun 1876; created a Knight Templar on 09 
Oct 1878; took the WI Consistory Scottish Rite degree 09 Feb 1881. His wife, 
daughter and he are members of the Queen of Sheba Chapter, Order of Eastern 
Star, at Reedsburg. Mr. SMITH joined the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 
1866, and is a member of Baraboo Lodge, and Germania Encampment. He first 
joined the Northwestern Encampment, No. 20, at Reedsburg, and has filled all 
the chairs in both organizations. He is a member of Alliance Canton, 
Patriarchs Militant, at Baraboo, and Birch Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah. He 
has held numerous offices in all of the above orders, and is also connected 
with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His library includes many volumes 
pertaining to fraternal societies, with which he is identified, and is one of 
the most complete Masonic and Odd Fellows' libraries in the state of WI. It 
includes proceedings of the Masonic Grand Lodge, from its organization in 
1843 to the present, proceedings of the Grand Chapter organized in 1850, 1st 
Grand Council in 1857, 1st Grand Commandery, Knights Templar in 1859, 1st 
Supreme Council in 1860, 1st Supreme Council, A. A. S. R., for the U. S. in 
1859; proceedings of the 1st Sovereign Grand Lodge of WI, I. O. O. F., [p 
316] in 1821, and all subsequent proceedings to date; and 1st Grand 
Encampment in 1852. Mr. SMITH is a man of exemplary character, and does not 
seek public favor, perferring the quiet of private life. He has been a 
lifelong Democrat in political sentiment, and cast his first vote for 
Franklin Pierce for president.

Contributed by Cathy Kubly