My Genealogy Hound

James M. Smith was born in Fairfield County, Conn., in the year 1812. His father, William M. Smith, was a native of New York City, and was of English-Scotch descent. Our subject’s mother, whose maiden name was Warring, was born in the above named county. Her parents were of Eastern birth, and stanch Yankees. William M. was by trade a saddler and harness maker. After his marriage in Connecticut he followed that vocation at the town of Stanford until a few years before his death. Just previous to his decease he kept a hotel for several years. In politics he was a Whig, and later a Republican. He was a prominent man, and a consistent member of the Universalist Church. He died at the age of fifty-five. His wife continued the hotel business after his death for a short time. She was an earnest Christian woman, and a member of the same church as her husband. She also died at the age of fifty-five. Our subject, when nine years of age, was placed in a wire factory, beginning first in the scrap department sorting out the copper, brass, etc. Three years later he entered the rolling department and was finally promoted to the wire department, and it was during his service in this department that he lost his father. He then apprenticed himself to a carpenter and joiner, Arzy Marshall, of Fairfield, Conn. Here he served faithfully for three and one-half years. He then spent two years in New York City, after which he returned to Connecticut, where he was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Barnes, a native of Dutchess County, N. Y., and a daughter of Morris Barnes. In July, 1844, he came west to Lee County, Iowa, where he remained thirteen or fourteen years, working at his trade exclusively. In 1857 he immigrated to Knox County, Mo., and settled in Jeddo, where he resided until three years ago when he moved to Knox City. To his marriage have been born nine children, all of whom grew to maturity: Rienzi (deceased), Henrietta, Arrod D., George Flickner, Ann, Ellen, Delia and James M. Our subject is one of the best citizens of the county, and now owns 280 acres of valuable land, well improved with good buildings, etc., situated in Jeddo Township. Our subject is public-spirited and takes a special interest in schools. He volunteered in the late war with Col. Moore after the fight at Athens. He owns a house and two lots in Knox City. He is a Republican, and himself and wife are Congregationalists.