My Genealogy Hound

J. P. Smith, Sr., a member of the substantial firm of J. P. Smith & Co., became engaged in his present business in 1886, a full and complete line of dry-goods and groceries being carried. Prior to that time he was occupied in business with H. S. Glenn. Mr. Smith was born in DeKalb County, Ga., in 1849, the second in a family of seven children born to J. M. and Elizabeth (Bradley) Smith. The father, a farmer by occupation, opened up a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits, but in 1856 moved to Tippah County, Miss., where he remained three years, in 1859 coming to Saline County, Ark. He bought land in Hurricane Township, and also entered a quarter section of land there at 12 1/2 cents per acre, to which subsequent additions have been made. He then cleared over 100 acres, improved it, and made that his permanent home until his death, which occurred in 1885. He belonged to the Baptist Church, as did also his excellent wife, who survives him, and resides on the old homestead. Mr. J. P. Smith was reared to farm life, and educated in the schools of Saline County, being obliged to dig and delve at home for his education. He commenced farming for himself in Hurricane Township, but finally left the farm and came to Benton in 1879, where he has since been engaged, the first three years as clerk, and afterward in business for himself. The success accorded him is most encouraging. Mr. Smith was married in February, 1884, to Miss Mary Hutchinson, a native of Greene County, Ga. She was educated at the Female Seminary at Greensboro, Ga., and is a daughter of Charles and Mary Hutchinson. Her father came to Saline County in 1885, and died in 1886, but, her mother having died when she was quite young, she was reared by her grandparents. Mr. Hutchinson was sheriff of Greene County, Ga., for some years. Mr. Smith is a prominent Democrat, and a member of Benton Lodge No. 34, A. F. & A. M., of which he was worshipful master for two years, and is senior warden of the order at the present time. He has seen the full development of the county, and is conscious of having borne a part in its advancement; land that he once knew as swamps, covered with water, now form beautiful and highly cultivated farms. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.