California Biographies
Mendocino and Lake Counties, California
 
Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Source:
History of Mendocino and Lake Counties, California
With Biographical Sketches
History by Aurelius O. Carpenter And Percy H. Millberry
Illustrated, Complete In One Volume
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1914


PETER C. SMITH.� A native of Denmark, Peter C. Smith there learned 
the blacksmith's trade. When nineteen years of age he came to California 
and worked at his trade until he established himself in business at Cuffey's 
Cove, when it was a thriving town. January 22, 1882, he married Catherine 
McManus. who was born on Dry creek, now known as Whitehall, Mendo- 
cino county. She was the daughter of Bartholomew and Catherine (Kenny) 
McManus, both natives of Ireland, who were married in New York City. In 
1854 they came via Panama to San Francisco and located on Dry creek, now 
Whitehall Station, and in 1859 they located on the ranch that Mrs. Smith 
now owns. Here the father died in 1893 and the mother in 1896. Mrs. Smith's 
uncle on her maternal side, James Kenny, was an early settler of Cuffey's 
Cove, where he built a landing and wharf and was practically the founder of 
Cuffey's Cove. He now resides in San Francisco. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Bartholomew McManus were born five children, four 
of whom are living, Mrs. Smith being the second oldest. She received her 
education in Cuffey's Cove district and Notre Dame convent, San Jose there- 
after remaining at home until her marriage. In the settlement of her father's 
estate she became possessor of the old home and she and Mr. Smith have 
given of their time and best efforts to build it up to a high state of cultivation. 
It is devoted to raising potatoes, wheat, barley, oats, peas, corn, and carrots 
and Mr. Smith is also engaged in the dairy business, besides raising hogs, 
sheep and poultry. The buildings are large, well built and substantial. The 
Smith ranch contains one hundred and sixty acres about three miles north 
of Greenwood on the- coast road. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been burn nine children: Catherine, a 
nurse in San Francisco; Annie, Mrs. Isaac Crow, of Crow's Landing; James, 
a merchant in San Francisco ; William, a machinist in that city ; Alice, a 
nurse in San Francisco ; George, deceased ; Walter, Mary, and John, the last 
three residing at home. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are well and favorably known 
for their many kind deeds. The family are members of the Catholic church 
at Greenwood.