Edward R. Smith's parents came to Beloit with their young son.

The evidence

• “EDWARD R. SMITH, druggist; born in New York City; his parents oa,m;to Beloit when he was young, in 1859 ; he entered school and was educated here, and is now residing with his parents ; he commenced in business for himself as a druggist in 1872, and opened a 'large and handsome store on Bridge street, east of the bridge ; he carries a large stock of fancy toilet articles, Lubin's and other perfumery of the very best makers, besides a regular stock of drugs, chemicals, paints and oils.”

  1879-history-of-rock-county/18-bios-beloit.md, PDF p. 760

  Butterfield, C. W., et al. The History of Rock County, Wisconsin: its early settlement, growth, development, resources, etc. Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1879. Cornell University Library via the Internet Archive, archive.org/details/cu31924028871585.

  Grade A: Found on a page of one of our sources