Joseph Amos Smith
Joseph Amos Smith (1825-1895)
Born 16 April 1825 in Birmingham, England, the son of George Smith and Elizabeth
1845 Emigrated to USA, arriving in New York. Started in Cincinnati as a machinist.
1848 His first wife, Elizabeth, arrived with his sister Caroline Smith. Elizabeth died shortly after her arrival in the USA.
1866 Married Lydia Howe Cooper, daughter of Joseph Cooper and Mary Ann Howe.
Died 22 Sep 1895 in West Covington, Kentucky.
Death Notice in the 'Cincinnati Times Star': Died Sept, 22, 1895 - Founder of the great firm of Lane and Bodley passes away at his West Covington home.
Joseph Amos Smith was born in England Apr. 16, 1825, but came here in 1845.
A Mechanical Genius - His model and illustrious life.
Mr. Joseph Amos Smith, a respected citizen, passed away peacefully at his home on River Road in West Covington, KY, early this morning, full of years and honors. The deceased was born in England in Warwickshire, April 16, 1825 and came to this vicinity in 1848 where he has since continually resided. He was a man of great mechanical genius, and upon his arrival in Cincinnati, founded a machine shop, taking A. P. Lane as partner, out of which venture subsequently grew the great house of Lane and Bodley. Deceased was a member of American Eagle Lodge of Odd Fellows of Ludlow, KY, a man clean in his habits, and of many virtues and leaves his surviving widow and children a noble heritage in a life well spent, replete with high aims, lofty aspirations and holy pleasures.
Joseph's shop was a machine shop, and was the largest in the world at that early time, that made wood-working machinery ....'
Allof the above information is condensed from genealogical information presented by Wendy Balcerzak[1]
Other evidence linking Smith to Lane & Bodley is proving elusive.