CRAVIN [sic) SMITH - Like many other residents within the bounds of Carroll county who started out in life with naught but an abundance of determination and indefatigable industry, a strong and healthy constitution, and who have succeeded through their own diligence, energy and economy, we classify the gentleman whose name stand at the head of this sketch. He is now a leading civil engineer and contractor of the county, making his home in Delphi. Mr. Smith was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, October 19, 1844, and is a son of John and Eliza (Hoge) Smith, also natives of the Keystone state, and the parents of five children, two sons and three daughters. When our subject was about eight years of age [1852-1853] the family removed to West Virginia, where the father engaged in the practice of medicine until 1867, when he returned to Pennsylvania, but in 1876 came to Delphi, where his death occurred in 1884. His wife had departed this life two years previously.

During the dark days of the rebellion, Cravin [sic] Smith resolved to strike a blow in defense of the Union. On the 1st of September, 1861, he enlisted in an independent company of the volunteer militia, but on the 12th of November, 1862, joined Company F, Twelfth West Virginia infantry, becoming a member of the army of the Potomac, with which he served in the Shenandoah valley until hostilities ceased. He was promoted second lieutenant May 13, 1864, and was mustered out at Richmond, June 16, 1865, with an honorable war record. He participated in many important battles and skirmishes, including those at Winchester, Milroy, Cedar Creek, Fisher's Hill, Petersburg and Appomatox. He is now a prominent member of Boothroyd post, G. A. R.

Returning to Marion county, West Virginia, Mr. Smith was married in 1866 to Adelphia V. Basnett, and they now have three children, two sons and a daughter. In 1873 he came westward to Carroll county, Indiana, locating first in a farm in Jefferson township, where he remained for eleven years. In 1884, on the republican ticket, he was elected surveyor, and has since resided in Delphi. So satisfactorily did he fill the office that he was re-elected in 1886, but in 1888 declined a re-nomination. For about nine years he most acceptably served as city engineer, but resigned that position in 1894. During the time that he filled those two positions, he did more work along his line, than all the previous surveyors together performed. He is ever prompt and reliable in fulfilling contracts, and thus has gained the confidence of all and a liberal patronage, which is justly deserved. For the past six years he has been interested in electrical business and is now the secretary and manager of the Carroll Electric Light company. In his social relations he is a Master Mason, and a member of the Odd Fellows society.

From marriage records of Marion County, WV:

SMITH, Craven age: 21 born: Greene Co. PA
Parents: Dr. John & Eliza
Married: 1/25/1866 in Marion Co., WV
BASNETT, Adelphia V. age: 18 born: Marion Co.
Parents: Phillip & Maryann

Philip S. Basnett was born 14 Feb 1818 and died 13 Apr 1899.
He was the son of Samuel Basnett -Descendants of Samuel Basnett
Philip was married to Mary Ann Fisher 30 Oct 1845.

The Class I "Honorably Discharged" medal, issued by the State of West Virginia, is in the possession of the soldier's descendants.