The subject of this sketch early in life realized the fact that success
never smiles upon the idler or dreamer and he has accordingly followed such
an aphorism, devoting his life to ardent toil along lines that cannot but
insure success. The prosperity which he enjoys has been the result of energy
rightly applied and has been won by commendable qualities.
John
Smith, one of the progressive farmers of Tonti township, Marion county,
Illinois, was born in this locality October 7, 1838, the son of Britton and
Mahala (Foster) Smith. Great-grandfather Smith was a soldier in the
Revolutionary war, having taken part in many of the famous battles and
strenuous campaigns of the same. This old family finally settled in North
Carolina, where Britton Smith was born in 1811, on November 7. He came to
Tennessee and then to Marion county, Illinois, in 1829, among the pioneers
and overcome the obstacles always to be encountered in such a country,
however, he remained here only about a year when he returned to Tennessee,
but soon returned to Illinois bringing his father, having been enthusiastic
of the prospects in the new country, believing that the future was filled
with great possibilities. The entire family made the trip from Tennessee as
soon as they could arrange to do so and they set to work at once making a
home here, where their labors were richly rewarded by mother nature, who
seldom fails in just compensation for labor expended in her domain.
Our subject's father was united in marriage in 1836 to Mahala Foster and
settled in section 28, in Tonti township. His wife was the daughter of the
well known Hon. Hardy Foster, who was an early settler in this county,
having come here from Georgia, becoming popular and a leader in political
affairs, having represented this district in the legislature. Foster
township was named in honor of this pioneer. Britton Smith at one time owned
two hundred acres of land in this county, being one of the best known
farmers in this locality and he also took much interest in local politics,
having served as Deputy Sheriff of Marion county for about seventeen years,
during which time he rendered much valuable service to the public. He was a
Democrat in his political faith. From time to time he held several township
offices.
John Smith, our subject, was born here and worked upon the
farm, having a poor chance to receive an education. However, he applied
himself as best he could and has since broadened his intellectual horizon by
general reading and travel.
When twenty-one years old Mr. Smith went
to Texas, where he remained a short time. In 1862 he was united in marriage
with Flotiller Nichols, who passed away fourteen months after her marriage,
and on October 2, 1868, Mr. Smith married Elizabeth Smith, who was reared in
this part of Illinois, and who was called to her rest in November, 1877. Two
children were born to the subject, one of whom, Charles B., is living in
this county. His date of birth occurred in 1873. Our subject was again
married, his third wife being Lenora E. Coe, who is also now deceased. He
was married a fourth time to Martha C. (Meadon) Lawson, who has also been
called to her rest. Four children were born to in. Smith by his third wife,
three of whom art living. Our subject has devoted his life principally to
farming with the result that he has achieved definite success in this field
of endeavor, for he has great ability in agricultural lines and is a hard
worker. He at present owns eighty-one acres of land in this township, which
have been developed into an excellent farm, being very productive and yields
excellent crops from year to year. He has an excellent residence, well
furnished and all the necessary equipments for carrying on successful
farming in a general way. Although Mr. Smith has now retired from the farm,
he still oversees its management.
Our subject is a faithful member
of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, being one of the Stewards of the
local church, and is at this writing (1908) superintendent of the Sunday
school. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
at Patoka, Lodge No. 860. In politics he is a Democrat and takes a lively
interest in local political affairs, having served as Township Assessor,
also as Township Clerk, and Township Treasurer, which office he still holds,
having had charge of the same since 1885. This would indicate that he has
given entire satisfaction in the dispensation of all his public duties, and
is held in strictest confidence by his constituents else he would not have
been entrusted with so many important public offices, nor retained so long.
Extracted 27 May 2019 by Norma Hass from 1909 Biographical and Reminiscent History of Richland, Clay and Marion Counties, Illinois, pages 399-400.