Henry S. Smith, former Mayor of Grand Rapids from 1878 to 1880, and his second wife, Hannah M. Simms had two girls; Mary (1869-1907) and Sara (1872-1963). Hannah died in 1873 and Smith married Helen Griffith in 1879.

Helen Griffith was born in Sheldon, NY in 1849 and died in Grand Rapids, MI in 1935. She was heavily involved in community organizations and charities including the Ladies Literary Club, the D.A.R and the Evangeline Home.

Henry died less than two years later, in 1881, and in 1890 Helen married Isaac Powell. Helen and Isaac had one son, Edward M. Powell, in 1892.

Isaac Platt Powell was born in 1838 in Clinton, NY. He fought in the Civil War as part of the 146th New York Volunteer Infantry from 1862-1865. He graduated from Union Theological Seminary in New York City after the war and served as pastor of the Congregational Church in Canaan, Conn. In 1868 he married Sarah Helen Clay. They settled in Grand Rapids in approximately 1880 where Isaac established a school for boys. Sarah died in 1886. He was a major in the 6th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry and was a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. Isaac ran the boys school until 1902. He died 1903 in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

Sara Smith never married and passed away in 1963 at the age of 91. She was a founding member of the Visiting Community Health Nursing Association and it's treasurer for many years. A member of Mayflower Congregational Church, Sara was also active in Community Chest activities and was a charter member of the Kent Garden Club.