He is a son of Hiram Smith, and was born in Genesee county, New York, March 27, 1822. At the age of seven, in September, 1829, he came to Michigan with his parents, who settled in Troy, where Josephus at present reside. On the 27th of December, 1860, he married Jane M. Stone, of Grand Rapids, Michigan. By this union there is one child, Harriet S., who is now the only member of his family besides himself and wife. Mr. Smith is a farmer, but engages in insurance to some extent, besides holding various public offices, being at present supervisor of his town. He has frequently been called upon to serve his townsmen in an official capacity, and is one of the foremost men of Troy.