My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM H. SMITH, Chairman of the County Board of Commissioners, and one of the prominent and most highly respected citizens of Perry County, makes his home in Pinckneyville. As he is so widely and favorably known, we feel assured that many of our readers will receive with interest this record of his life work. His career has been an honorable and upright one, well worthy of emulation.

Mr. Smith was born in Kentucky, October 30, 1835. His father’s name was Willis, and the grandfather bore the name of William Smith. The former was a native of Kentucky, and the latter of South Carolina, whence he removed in an early day to Kentucky. When our subject was only about four years of age, his parents came to Perry County, settling three miles from Pinckneyville. His father was for several years Justice of the Peace, and was a leading citizen of the community. He died when his son William was only fourteen years of age. His wife bore the maiden name of Phoebe Taylor, and was also a native of Kentucky. Her father, Henry Taylor, was a farmer, and emigrating to Perry County, here spent his last days. After the death of his father, his mother was again married, and died in this county. Our subject was the only son in the Smith family, but had five sisters, of whom four are still living: Ruth Elizabeth, wife of Valentine McClurkin, who resides two miles north of Pinckneyville; Louisa, who wedded Archie McClurkin, and is living in this county; Josephine, who is now Mrs. Vinyard, a widow; and Mrs. Julia A. Taylor, who resides in Tamaroa.

The subject of this record spent his early youth upon his father’s farm, and in early life attended the public schools, but after his father’s death he began earning his own livelihood by working as a farm hand by the month. He chose as a companion and helpmate on life’s journey Miss Margaret J. Davis, the marriage being celebrated in 1857. The lady was born in Perry County, where her father, William Davis, had settled in pioneer days. Eleven children graced this union, of whom seven are now living: Crede P.,a farmer living near Pinckneyville; Lavancha A., wife of Monford Lemon, of Pinckneyville; William W., who carries on his father’s farm; Julia A., wife of John H. Miller, who is also living on the home farm; Charles, who is engaged in business with his father; Harry E. and Scott, who complete the family.

After his marriage Mr. Smith rented a farm on the Pinckneyville and Nashville road, but in a short time purchased land, to which he has added from time to time, until he now owns one of the fine farms of the county. It comprises three hundred and forty acres of valuable land, and is under a high state of cultivation. He also owns considerable property in Pinckneyville, including his comfortable home and his store, for he is a dealer in farm machinery, and along that line is doing a good business. He has prospered in his undertakings, and his industry and enterprise have brought him a handsome competence.

Mr. Smith is now serving his third year as County Commissioner, and at this writing is Chairman of the Board. He takes quite an active part in local politics, and supports the Democratic party, of whose principles he is a warm advocate. Both he and his wife are active workers and faithful members of the Baptist Church, in which Mr. Smith serves as Deacon. Both have a host of warm friends in this community, and have the confidence and high regard of all.