My Genealogy Hound

HON. BAXTER T. SMELZER, M. D. Of the public men whom Schuyler County has given to the state, few have gained greater prominence and influence than the subject of this article, and it is therefore fitting, in a volume dedicated to the public-spirited citizens of this locality, that considerable mention should be made of his life and work. Since the age of twenty-two he has made his home in Havana, but recently he removed his family to Albany, where his official duties have required his presence much of the time for some years.

In the town of Lodi, Seneca County, Baxter T. Smelzer was born March 27, 1852, a son of Philip Smelzer, a man of pure life and high character. The rudiments of our subject’s education were obtained in the common schools, after which he attended’ the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, N. Y., and Syracuse University. Early in life he determined upon a professional career, and, preferring the study of medicine, turned his attention to it. He was a student in the medical department of the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, and later entered Bellevue Hospital in New York City, from which he was graduated in 1874.

At the age of twenty-two Dr. Smelzer commenced the practice of his profession in Havana, where his youthful appearance secured for him the name of the “boy doctor.” However, his ability as a physician was soon recognized and his position in the profession established. His interest in public matters and his ability as a leader in politics were also apparent at an early period of his residence in Havana. Believing it the duty of every good citizen to give attention to all matters connected with the welfare of the state, he has therefore been active in politics. A stanch Republican, he is a member of the Republican State League, was Chairman of the Central Committee for several years, President of the Village Board a number of terms, member of the Board of Education for four successive terms, and President of the board for six years.

In 1893 Dr. Smelzer was elected to represent the Twenty-seventh Senatorial District, and this office he filled with distinguished ability, his able services winning commendation from all progressive citizens. While a member of the Senate he was Chairman of the committee appointed to investigate the State Board of Health, the result of which was a large saving to the state. It was the only committee that finished its business and made a report in full before adjournment. He was instrumental in the passage of various bills, one being the maintaining of the Public Health Law. He also secured the passage of several bills in the interest of the medical profession, and was chiefly instrumental in having the county agricultural societies receive an increased amount from the “Ives Pool Bill.” Among his other services were the securing of a number of appropriations for Schuyler County and a new charter for the city of Elmira. He originated the “Tuberculosis Bill,” which appointed a commission to investigate the diseases of cattle and their general condition.

In his chosen profession Dr. Smelzer is favorably known throughout Schuyler and adjoining counties. His specialty has been surgery, and during the latter period of his residence in Havana, owing to the numerous public demands upon his time, his attention professionally was confined almost entirely to surgery and consultation. He is a member of the County and State Medical Associations and the Elmira Academy of Medicine. In June, 1895, he was appointed Secretary of the State Board of Health, which responsible position he is now filling.

In 1876 Dr. Smelzer married Miss Lucy A. Tracy, a lady of literary tastes, whose father, Peter Tracy, was one of the first Presidents of the Chemung Bank of Elmira and President of the Chemung Railroad. They are the parents of two sons. Few men of Schuyler County have been more highly honored than Dr. Smelzer. In his profession he is able, and in his official life honorable and efficient. He is a genial and affable man, one with whom it is a pleasure to meet.