EARLA W. SMITH | A chronology

Several hundred people attended a recent party to celebrate Smith’s 104th birthday at his North Jackson farm. A brief look at his long life:

Traveled to the Canfield Fair for the first time in 1912 via a horse-drawn carriage. In 2003, Smith was awarded the Canfield Fair 4-H’s Most Senior Saddle Horse Honorary Member.

Began selling vegetables on the farm in 1913 at age 5.

Graduated from Jackson High School in 1927 after having won many academic awards.

Married the former Sadie A. Archer on Aug. 22, 1931.

Had his only child, Elmer W. Smith, in 1932, which began a family that now consists of six grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 28 great-great-grandchildren and one great-great-great-grandchild.

Worked 24 years at RMI Titanium in Niles, where he helped process titanium used on a space satellite and the “Moon Buggy” before retiring in 1973.

Spent many years traveling extensively, including to Hawaii, several Canadian provinces and Japan to visit two great-grandchildren in the Navy. Smith has been to 49 states, with Alaska as the only exception, and returned recently from a trip to Pensacola, Fla., where he visited his granddaughter and her family.

Recently renewed his driver’s license, which is valid until 2016.

Source: Adell Clouse, granddaughter