My Genealogy Hound

Carroll L. Smith. In the early settlement of Arkansas, and among the families who were closely identified with its material affairs and associated with its progress and development, were the Smiths. A respected representative of this family is found in the subject of this sketch, who was born in Tennessee in 1839, and in 1841 was brought to Mississippi County, Ark., by his parents, James M. and Edna (Jones) Smith, who were born, reared and married in North Carolina, removing shortly after the latter event to East Tennessee, and still later to West Tennessee, and thence to Arkansas. After coming to the latter State they resided for nearly two years on Mill Bayou, where they landed in 1845, and in 1847 removed to Clear Lake, settling on a tract of 157 acres. At that time there were only three families on the Lake, and there were not more than twenty acres under cultivation. Mr. Smith began at once to make improvements in the way of clearing land and building, and made his home on this property until his death, in 1864, at the age of fifty-three years; the mother expiring the following year, aged about fifty-five years. Like so many of the substantial citizens of this county at the present time, he was initiated into the mysteries of farming from his earliest youth, and to this calling he has since given his attention. As there were no schools near his home until he was twelve years of age, his early educational advantages were very limited. When the mutterings of war began to be heard throughout the land he joined Capt. Fletcher’s company, and was at the battle of Shiloh when that captain was killed. He also took part in the engagements at Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, and in the Georgia campaign. He was captured at Franklin, Tenn., and was kept a prisoner until the close of the war, when he returned home and resumed the peaceful pursuit of farming. In 1868 he sold the old homestead and bought his present home farm of 160 acres, now owning in all 400 acres with 160 under the plow. On this place he has a good residence and outbuildings, and near the house is an extensive orchard of choice varieties of fruit. He votes with the Democratic party, and in the various affairs of the county he exerts an influence which is felt by all, being particularly active in supporting the cause of education. He has been married three times, the first time in October, 1860, to Miss Mary Ann Renfro, who died in 1862, leaving one child, which also soon died. He then remained a widower until 1870, at which date he wedded Miss Mary E. Murry, a native of Mississippi County, her death occurring in 1883. Three children blessed this union: William, Norah and Rebecca. In 1884 his marriage to Miss Amanda Langley was consummated, and by her he has also had three children: Iona, Albert Sidney Johnson and Grover Cleveland. Mr. Smith has one of the finest places in the county, and has surrounded his home with many conveniences and comforts. His farm is rapidly increasing in value under his able management, and he is looked upon as one of the leading agriculturists of this section.