Surnames: Havens, Murray
Regions: Sherburne, Chenango Co., NY; Weedsport, NY; Hurley, Iron County, MI
Source: Commemorative Biographical Record of the
Upper Lake Region; Containing Biographical Sketches
of Prominent and Representative Citizens and Many
of the Settled Families;
Illustrated; J.H. Beers & Co. Chicago 1905;
Page 68
Dexter Havens Smith, M.D. is a successful physician of Hurley, Iron County, MI, where he has been in active practice for the last two or three years. He was born in Weedsport, NY, July 23, 1866, son of John H. and Julia A. (Havens) Smith.
John H. Smith was a native of Sherburne, Chenango Co., NY where he grew up and attended school. After leaving school he learned the trade of carpenter, at which he worked for a time in his native town. He soon, however, moved to Weedsport, where he went into the grain business, becoming the owner of an elevator which he operated for some time. Later he went to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama, settling for awhile in San Francisco. He did some prospecting and was fairly successful, but owing to the accidental death of his friend and partner, returned to the East, and again went into the grain elevator business at Weedsport. In 1869, he sold out his elevator interests, went to Denver, and then to Golden, Colorado. In the latter place he engaged in the hay, grain and stock business until 1878, when he became interested in the water supply of Denver and thenceforth devoted himself to that business. He died in 1893, leaving considerable property. His wife is still living, making her home with her daughter in Milwaukee.
D. H. Smith was only three years old when his parents moved to Colorado and he began his education in the public schools of Denver. This was supplemented by a course in the University of Denver, where he obtained his degree of A.M. After this he took a medical course, graduating in 1895 with the degree of M.D. Previous to his graduation he secured a special license and began his medical practice in 1891, as a surgeon of the Denver police and fire departments. After receiving his diploma he practiced medicine in Denver until 1900, when he moved to Milwaukee. After a brief stay in that city he moved to Hurley, where he has already built up a considerable practice and is meeting with much success.
On April 13, 1897, Dr. Smith married Adelia Murray, daughter of Thomas and Hannah Murray, both natives of Canada. Mr. Murray was for many years in the oil business in Denver, where he died in 1892. His wife still resides in Denver. Mrs. Smith is a graduate nurse of St. Luke's hospital of Denver, and her professional knowledge and skill make her a valuable assistant to the doctor. Dr. Smith was surgeon to the high school cadets in Denver, and is at present medical examiner for the A.O.U.W. of Hurley. He is a member of that order, Northern Camp No. 51, of Hurley, and of the Eagles, No. 247, also of Hurley.
