My Genealogy Hound

Lynn B. Smith, the oldest grocery merchant of Barton County, was born in Madison County, Va., April 29, 1838, and received a good English education. In 1859 he married Miss Sue Gearhart, a native of Missouri, and then followed farming in Howard and Morgan Counties until 1869, when he came to Barton County, where he still continued tilling the soil. Previous to this, in 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate service, and continued in the same until the close of the war, when he surrendered at Shreveport, La. He was in the battles of Boonville, Pea Ridge, Jenkins’ Ferry, Pleasant Hill, and many hot skirmishes. He was never wounded to amount to anything, nor was he ever taken prisoner. After the war he returned to Howard County, but later removed to Barton County, and in 1874 began merchandising at Lamar, where he has continued the business since. In connection with a large amount of town property he owns two good farms, and is one of the prominent business men of the county. He has made all his property by his own exertions He is treasurer of the Fair association, is a Democrat in politics and is a member of the Knights of Pythias. When he first came to Benton County buffalo could be found within a day’s ride of Lamar. Mr. Smith was the second of eight children, seven now living, six sons and a daughter, born to John M. and Brilla (Berry) Smith, both born and reared in Virginia. In 1856 the parents came to Missouri, locating in Howard County, but soon moved to Morgan County, where they still live, he being seventy-eight years of age, and she seventy-six. Both are members of the Baptist Church. He has followed farming all his life, and is a Democrat in politics.