McDonough ILGenWeb

SMITH, Josiah A., a prosperous and well-to-do farmer, who pursues his avocation in Section 16, Sciota Township, McDonough County, Ill., was born in that township, August 19, 1850, and has lived there all his life, with the exception of two years spent in Nebraska. He is a son of Elijah S. and Mary (Wintin) Smith, natives of the State of Tennessee. Elijah Smith was a farmer in Tennessee, and settled in Illinois in 1850, making the journey in a wagon. He first located in Emmet Township, McDonough County, and thence moved to Sciota Township, where he bought 160 acres of land, which he owned until just before his death in 1899. On this place he made all the improvements, and carried on general farming and stock-raising. He was a thorough farmer and an exemplary and public-spirited citizen. Politically, he was a Democrat, and held several local offices, among them that of Road Commissioner.

J. A. Smith received his early education in the district schools of Sciota Township, and afterward pursued a course of study in Burlington University. After completing his education, he made himself useful on the home farm for two years, going then to Nebraska, where he spent a like period. On returning to Illinois, he remained with his parents until the time of his marriage and afterward occupied a part of the homestead for four years. In 1881 he bought 160 acres in Section 2, Sciota Township, from William Hall, on which he made nearly all the improvements. There he carried on general farming and stock-raising for twenty-five years, handling full-blooded, registered stock, and selling most of it for breeding purposes. He gave special attention to Polled-Angus cattle, and raised Jersey Red hogs. In these undertakings. Mr. Smith has been very successful.

On January 20, 1878, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage in Sciota Township, with Mary C. Logan, who was born in McDonough County, a daughter of John and Jane (Botts) Logan, natives of Kentucky. Her father settled in McDonough County at an early period, and carried on farming with success. Mrs. Smith graduated from Macomb Normal School under the tutorship of Mr. and Mrs. Branch. Two children resulted from the union of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, namely: Ethel A. and Leslie E. In politics, the subject of this personal record is identified with the Republican party, and served with credit as Road Commissioner for three years. Religiously, he adheres to the faith of the Baptist Church. Individually, and in his relations as a member of the community, he maintains an excellent standing.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, pages 1003-1004, extracted 30 Jul 2020 by Norma Hass.