My Genealogy Hound

PEYTON C. SMITHSON, one of the prominent attorneys of Lewisburg, is a son of John G. and Ann (Ladd) Smithson, both natives of Virginia, the former born in 1820 and the latter in 1818. They were married in Williamson County, this State, and became the parents of fifteen children, all of whom lived to be grown. Five of the boys are lawyers. Both parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the father being a local minister there, though his chief occupation is farming. He is a Republican in politics. Our subject was born in 1851, in Williamson County, and was of English descent on his father’s side and Irish on his mother’s. He assisted his father on the farm, and acquired sufficient education in the common schools to enable him to teach. After following this occupation for some time he entered Giles College and there completed his education. In 1874 he commenced reading law in his brother’s office, and the following year was admitted to the bar. He subsequently opened an office in Lewisburg, where he has had a good practice ever since. In 1878 he wedded Ellen McClure, and to this union were born four children. Mrs. Smithson belongs to the Presbyterian Church. For two years Mr. Smithson held the office of mayor of Lewisburg. He is a Republican, though conservative in his views. For eleven years he has followed his profession in Lewisburg, and is one of that city’s best attorneys.