In the mid-1700s, 27-year-old Gasper Schmidt traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to make a new home for himself in North Carolina. Gasper bought 210 acres in the rolling hills of North Carolina and farmed near the Yadkin River amidst tall loblolly pines, evergreen magnolias, cedars, and oaks. He became a naturalized citizen in 1763, changed his name from Schmidt to Smith, and fought in the American Revolutionary War. His wife Margaret and him raised their seven children while farming. The couple built a home on the land now called Riverwood, made famous by American painter Bob Timberlake who in the 1970s launched his career from a studio on Gasper’s land.

For 250 years, Gasper’s family continued to farm in North Carolina. Pictured above is Grandmama Emma Smith from the early 1930s. Guided by the principles of respect, accountability, perseverance, family, and faith, the Smith family endured many challenging seasons. Following the death of her husband in 1924, Julius Marcellus Smith, Grandmama Emma, and her children demonstrated courage and resilience as they struggled to work and live as tenant farmers in Davidson Country during the Great Depression.

Fred Smith and his family began cattle farming in Johnston County, North Carolina in the 1970s.

The Smiths’ attention to quality and their passion to help add value to their community is grown from their respect for cattle and commitment to be good stewards of what God has provided. This respect has passed down from generation to generation, creating what we are today.