Smith Family Politics
Smith-McPhillips Family Genealogy
In our own history we know “Irish” John Smith actively sought public office in his County. John served as State Senator for his district, and previously served in various Township positions. “Irish” John was not the first member of his family to get involved with politics. More about this later.
Like other Irish immigrants of his time, John Smith ran for public office. This act was something denied to Catholics in Ireland for many years, and public office intrigued these new immigrants greatly. John, a descendant of Ulster Catholics, must have viewed this opportunity with great respect, and understood the significance this had for Irish Catholics in his time.
Soon after immigrating to America many sons of Ireland took advantage of their new rights and ran for public office. One only needs to think about New York and Chicago for examples. Many of us know “Irish” John as being our first ancestor running for public office. Below is “Irish” John Smith’s legislative biography as found in the book titled “Biographical Directory of the South Dakota Legislature 1889 - 1989”, Volume II, L - Z.
John’s legislative record is held by the South Dakota State Archives. This group does not conduct genealogy research; however, their archives are open to anyone who comes to their office. This might be a good project for someone who travels to Pierre, South Dakota, and needs something to do!
John would have provided information for this biography. The picture you see appears in the same book with “Irish” John’s information. Today’s politician probably would include a picture where he or she is smiling.
Michael McPhillips, our great-great grandfather, also served in the public sector. The following record shows Michael’s position held in Spring Green, Wisconsin. It is unclear whether this was an elected position or if it was due to political patronage. This information comes from a book titled ‘The History of Sauk County, Wisconsin: Containing An Account of Settlement, Growth, Development and Resources…Biographical Sketches…the Whole Preceded by a History of Wisconsin’ by Western Historical Co, and published in 1880.
We know Michael McPhillips and his family lived in Spring Green about this time based on the 1880 US Census results as shown below:
Finally, “Irish” John Smith’s step-father, William Rooney, was involved with politics in Bear Creek Township, Sauk County, Wisconsin. As you know “Irish” John’s mom, Catharine Greenan, married Peter Smyth in Ireland. Peter died about 1847 during the famine years. We found the following information from a book titled, ‘The History of Sauk County, Wisconsin: Containing An Account of Settlement, Growth, Development and Resources…Biographical Sketches…the Whole Preceded by a History of Wisconsin’ by Western Historical Co, and published in 1880.
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May 2009