Con Smith

CON SMITH, one of the old stage men of early times, was born in the State of New York. He came West in 1855, driving stage from Boonville to Tipton, Missouri for three years. From there he drove to Arkansas, driving from Fort Smith, on what was known as the southern or Butterfield Stage Line to Sherman, Texas. When the southern route was discontinued on account of the Civil War in 1861, Smith came North to St. Joseph, Mo., where he took a position as driver on the Central Overland California and Pike's Peak Express line, then running from the Missouri river to California. His drive was from Guittard's Station in Kansas to Hollenberg, the first station west of Marysville. In 1862 he enlisted in company H, Seventh Kansas Cavalry until 1865, and again entered the employ of the Stage company. He drove for Holladay's Overland Stage Line, serving until he "threw down the lines" and began farming in Kansas.

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