My Genealogy Hound

James W. Smith, farmer and stock raiser of Washington County, Ark., is a Virginian, and was born in Botetourt County, June 4, 1832. His father, Philip Smith, and grandfather Smith, were also Virginians, and of German descent. The father was married in his native State, to Mary Andersen, and in 1849 moved to Arkansas, purchasing a farm near where James W. now resides, and there spent the remainder of his days, dying in 1855. He was a harness and saddle maker by trade, and was highly esteemed and respected by all who knew him. His widow is still living, and has attained the age of ninety-two years. They were the parents of five sons and four daughters, and seven of their children grew to mature years, and became the heads of families. Two sons died during the war. James W. took the management of affairs into his own hands after the death of his father; and continued to care for the family until 1861, when he enlisted in the Confederate service, being a member of the Second Arkansas Infantry. After serving three months, and participating in the battle of Wilson’s Creek, he joined Col. Brooks’ regiment, with which he served until the close of the war, then returned home and engaged in farming. He has a fine farm of 210 acres, nearly all of which is bottom-land, with 130 acres under cultivation, and a splendid orchard of 250 trees. June 1, 1880, he was married to Miss Mary Crouches, a daughter of John Crouches. Mrs. Smith was born in Washington County, and is the mother of five children: Thomas E., William L., Nora, Pearl Lee and Alice.