Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Progress, February 28, 1872, p. 3. Two Men of Our Town. One of the events of the present month has been the retirement from business of Tobe Smith, who for the past eighteen years, has been identified with Bloomington and its trade interests, as a Jeweler. Tobe has given his undivided attention to the details of his business during all of these years, and being a skillful workman and a shrewd financier, has amassed a competency. Of one thing Tobe has reason to feel proud-we refer to the noble building he has erected and the costly stock of goods he has carried during the past five years. We believe no one will feel inclined to take issue with us when we assert that no city in Indiana has as large or as well arranged Jewelry store room, as Bloomington can boast of in the establishment founded by Smith. Although Tobe came to Bloomington a poor man, with nothing to back him but determined energy, and a two-dollar bill, we are not sorry to learn that to-day he is able to snap his fingers at the fates, and rest securely upon the fortune he has amassed. John P. Smith, the brother of Tobe, to whom the latter has transferred his stock, was not "born with a silver spoon in his mouth," as the saying is, by any means. But his budding genius developed itself in mechanism, and he became as famous for his skill in the manipulation of watch works as is his elder brother. In 1866, John visited Bedford, with the intention of buying out Darrell's establishment! This is a sufficient commentary upon John's impecunious condition at that time. He finally, however, started a small shop west of Jos. M. Howe's store, and as his business increased, came up on the west side of the square. Now he stands at the head of the largest Watch and Jewelry House in the State, and is making money, as he deserves to. We hope to be here to announce John's retirement on a competency, ere many years have rolled around, though, we fear the day is far distant when we can hope to be so fortunate ourself. Who ever heard of a country publisher retiring upon a competency? But we digress. John is now up to his eyes in fine watches and jewelry-too busy to give much attention even to his dog "Sooner," as was his wont in other days; while Tobe is getting his fishing tackle and gun in order for many an hour's sport on Bean Blossom's romantic banks during the approaching summer months. And should you be so fortunate as to receive an invitation, to go with him, our word for it [sic], there is no more genial or whole-souled companion in existence than Tobe, when on a free and easy expedition of this character. We hope Tobe may live long to enjoy his health and wealth, and that John will have a trade that shall lift him to the top wave of fortune. Constance T. Shotts, Ed.D., CG(SM) CG and Certified Genealogist are Service Marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists, used under license by board certificants after periodic evaluations by the Board and the board name is a trademark registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office.