|
North Carolina Society of Historians
|
|
Daniel Turner Smithwick |
|
Daniel Turner Smithwick was born on 20 March 1867 in Warren County, NC. His parents were James Robert Smithwick, a Confederate Veteran, and Frances Allen Smithwick, both natives of Warren County. Daniel's father died in 1872, leaving his wife with a farm, 4 young sons and 3 young daughters. Daniel was only five years old. His mother persevered and worked hard, and with the help of her family, they all survived. In 1883, when Daniel was 16, he began 3 years study at Wake Forest College; then followed 3 years of study at the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. He obtained his professional degree on February 3, 1890. On October 15, 1890, he married Evelyn Macon in Franklin, NC, near her home, and they moved to Smithfield, NC. His dental business was a great success but the tragedy hovered over his personal life. Eleven months after his daughter was born, she died of typhoid fever, and soon after his first son died. Then, Daniel inhaled mercury vapors while compounding an amalgam for a filling and he nearly died! He was told to remain in the mountains for the therapy of mountain air and, gradually he recovered. Life improved, he and his wife had two more children and they moved to Louisburg in Franklin. He practiced dentistry until he was 88 years old! All through his life, Daniel's real passions were his family, LOCAL HISTORY and AGRICULTURE. He enjoyed reading about history, talking about it, going on historical tours, and creating it. He was a charter member of our society, and once served as its president. Daniel died on October 19, 1956.
|