F.J. Lewis built a store here in 1868, and named the settlement NOBLE. Located at the mouth of Spencer Creek (named for pioneer resident John Spencer), the village took the name SPENCER CREEK, and was given a no. of that name in 1869. After the P.M. Railroad came through in 1891 the village was renamed for William Alden Smith, an official of the railroad: population 30 in 1877, it had a general store, grist mill, saw mill and a hotel. [Michigan County Map]