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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Union County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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J. Monroe Smith, farmer and merchant, Champagnolle, Ark. Among the popular business men and successful farmers of the county Mr. Smith stands in the foremost ranks. He is a native born resident of this county, his birth occurring February 12, 1845, and is the son of Lawson and Martha A. (Driskill) Smith, the father born in Alabama in 1813. The parents were married in July, 1837, and to them were born six children: Thomas J., Willis N. (deceased), Jasper N. (deceased), Mary C., and William W. (deceased). The father was a farmer, and emigrated to Arkansas in 1830. He lost his wife in 1850, and later married Mrs. Sallie A. Black, who bore him two children: David C. and Corinna. He is a Royal Arch Mason socially, and in politics affiliates with the Democratic party. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. J. Monroe Smith was educated in the private schools of Union County, and when sixteen years of age he ran away from school, and enlisted in Company E, Third Arkansas, and was in the Army of Northern Virginia, under Gen. French. He was in the battle of Yorktown, and was captured at the battle of Gettysburg, and carried to Fort Delaware. From there he went to Point Lookout, where he remained three months, and there was paroled, after which he returned home. He engaged in agricultural pursuits, and on November 28, 1865, was wedded to Miss Mary J. Morgan, a native also of Union County. To this union were born five children: J. Lawson, Morgan, Willis M., Claudia C, and Wallace (deceased). Mr. Smith has followed farming all his life, and is the owner of about 600 acres of good land, with 125 acres under cultivation. He has held many official positions, and filled them in a capable and efficient manner. He held the office of sheriff for two terms, was clerk of the circuit court for some time, and was sergeant-at-arms of the Senate in 1883, after which he began farming again. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

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This family biography is one of 84 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Union County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Union County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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