My Genealogy Hound

James R. Smith, farmer, of Tavern Township, Pulaski Co., Mo., was born on the 27th of January, 1857, in Cole County, Mo., and is a son of Thomas M. and Cena (Messersmith) Smith. He resided in his native county until eight years of age, when he was brought to Pulaski County, being reared to manhood on a farm near Crocker. He received a good public school education, and subsequently attended school in Richland two terms. He remained with and assisted his father on the farm until he reached manhood, and at the age of twenty-three years began the battle of life for himself. After coming to Crocker he was engaged in teaching school for two years, and in September, 1878, was married to Miss Zula Overbey, a daughter of James B. and Jane Overbey. She was born in North Carolina, and was quite small when brought to Missouri. She grew to mature years, and married Mr. Smith in Pulaski County, and has become the mother of five children: Minnie M., Rosa N., Edna E., James T. and Ida J. One child died in infancy. Mr. Smith settled on his present farm previous to his marriage, and is now considered one of the prosperous agriculturists of the county. In his political views he supports the principles of the Democratic party.