Monument honors former Sheridan judge
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SHERIDAN -- The Town of Sheridan has a new monument outside the courthouse to honor a staple of the community for more than four decades.
The new monument is dedicated to former Town Justice Peter T. Smith, who served the Town of Sheridan for 44 years. Beginning in 1972, Smith was elected for 11 consecutive terms.
"This was a part-time job, but it was a very important job. He tried his best to be neutral and represent the interests of the people of Sheridan," said his daughter, Donna Smith.
Smith's sons – Pete, Scott, and Todd – built the monument, which is set to have an official dedication ceremony later this summer.
Smith was a graduate of Dunkirk High School, in the Class of 1958. An avid hunter and fisherman, Smith was a member of the Hanover Rod & Gun Club, the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, and the Dunkirk Moose Club. He resided in Sheridan until his death in February 2020, at the age of 80, after a brief illness.
Donna Smith recalled how her father enjoyed performing marriages in the town. "He truly enjoyed the opportunity to help the people become united in matrimony," she said. "People would ask Dad how much he charged, and he always replied with, 'Whatever you can afford.'"
Following in her father's footsteps, Donna Smith became a court reporter immediately upon graduating from Alfred State College in 1979. She continues to work on high profile cases in Austin, Texas.
"He truly loved helping people and enjoyed being able to aid in assisting others with their issues," Donna Smith said of her father. "He thought it was important to have a sincere judge that was willing to work for the people of Sheridan."