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ROBERT F. SMITH. Jefferson County is greatly indebted for its present wealth and high standing to the sturdy, intelligent 'and enterprising tillers of the soil, who lave been instrumental in developing its vast agricultural resources. As a worthy member of its farming community, who has contributed towards its material advancement, and has been very prominent in its social and religious life, it gives us pleasure to represent Mr. Smith in this volume. He has long been associated with the agricultural interests of Bald Hill Township, and has built up a comfortable home here on section 14. Our subject was born in Tennessee in May, 1839, and is the youngest child in the family of Robert and Martha (Emmert) Smith, the former of whom was a native of Virginia. Robert Smith emigrated to Tennessee when a young man, where he followed the occupation of a carpenter and also farmed on a small scale until the time of his decease, which occurred in 1867. His wife departed this life in her native state, passing away in 1842. Robert F. Smith was only three years of age when deprived of the care of his mother, and when old enough to go to school was permitted to attend the house of learning only a short time. He spent his entire life until reaching his majority on the home farm and then began life's struggle as a farmer, in which work he was engaged on the outbreak of the war. In November, 1861, he became a Union soldier, enlisting as a member of Company G, Second East Tennessee Infantry, and was mustered into service at Somerset, Ky. During the three years of his army experience he participated in many of the hard-fought battles of the war, and was with General Burnside during his engagements in Tennessee. He was a member of the company which pursued Morgan through Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, and succeeded in capturing that notorious person near the Pennsylvania line. Mr. Smith was captured at Marysville, Tenn., but was held a prisoner only three days, when he escaped. He was mustered out in November, 1864, at Knoxville, Tenn., as Corporal of his company. Returning home, our subject remained only until the fall of 1865, when he came to Illinois and located on a place near his present residence and immediately engaged in farming. His place comprises one hundred and twenty acres of highly cultivated land, every acre of which is either devoted to grain or stock raising. The lady to whom our subject was married in 1868 was Miss Margaret, daughter of R. J. and Alvina (McMullen) Allen, residents of Tennessee. Their union has been blessed by the birth of four children, of whom the eldest, James, died when two years old. John M., Edward and Samuel make their home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Smith arc consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and all who know them agree that they are Christians in every sense of the word and practice Christianity in their daily lives. Socially, our subject is connected with Goode Lodge No. 744, A. F. & A. M., of Franklin County, and is also a member of Stephen Place Post No. 581, G. A. R. He is a pronounced Republican in politics and lends ready aid to his party.
"Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton,
Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois" |
For corrections or additions, please contact me: Sandy Bauer