My Genealogy Hound

John Smoker is one of the leading business men in this section of the country, and since 1868 has been engaged in merchandising at Arkadelphia, Ark. He was born in Lancaster County, Penn., November 17, 1817, to John and Christina (Eby) Smoker, both of whom were of German descent and natives of Pennsylvania. They both died in their native State, the father having been a farmer and drover by occupation. John Smoker resided in his native county until he was fifteen years of age, there also receiving his education, but at the above mentioned age he went to Galena, Ill., and clerked in a store for some three years. He then went to New Orleans, and in 1838 purchased the steamboat "Dubuque," and, as he had plenty of money and but little knowledge of steamboating, he launched her and went aboard as her skipper, being then only twenty-one years of age. A short time later this vessel blew up, but he had her repaired, and, after making one more trip, sunk her. He, however, still continued this business, and soon after purchased another steamer called "Red River," which he ran for thirty-one years, meeting with many thrilling adventures during this time. After the war he made a run to Vicksburg, and was on the celebrated boat "Robert Lee" in her race against the "Natchez." In all he built seven steamboats and ran several more, but, as above stated, he gave up this business in 1868, and has since followed the occupation of merchandising. He carries a large and varied stock of goods, and, being public spirited, liberal minded and generous in disposition, his career has been an honorable one, and in every enterprise in which he has been engaged he has been liberally patronized. His marriage occurred to Miss Sarah Russ, by whom he has had a family of six children, two of whom are living: Lucy and William. Mr. Smoker's career has been a varied and romantic one, but he is content to spend the remainder of his days in Arkadelphia, where he has an extended acquaintance and numerous warm personal friends.