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George S. Smith


The owner of a highly improved farm of one hundred and forty acres situated on section 25, Antioch Township, and ranks among the leading agriculturists of the county. From a wild and barren tract he transformed his land into rich and fertile fields. Not a furrow had been made, but after plowing the land he planted crops, and in the course of time abundant harvests rewarded his labors. Year after year saw the improved portion enlarged until now the entire amount pays a golden tribute to his care and labor. Stock-raising has also been an important branch of his business, and in it he has won prosperity. His log cabin home has long since been replaced by a good frame residence, and its entire surroundings indicate the thrift and enterprise of the owner.

Mr. Smith was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, March 25, 1822, and is one of six children, whose parents were John and Christina (Patterson) Smith, both of whom spent their entire lives in the old country. Two of the children also died in Scotland, the remaining four becoming residents of America. Isabel is now residing in Chicago; James died about fourteen years ago; and Christian makes his home in Nebraska. George Smith received liberal educational advantages in his youth, and was also early inured to work on the farm. He was a young man of seventeen years when he bade good-by to home and friends and sailed for America with the intention of trying his fortune. The succeeding three years after his arrival were spent in Kenosha County, Wis., and in 1843 he settled upon his present farm in Lake County, which has been his home continuously since. In Chicago in 1845 he was united in marriage with Beatrice Yule, who was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, January 26, 1827. Her parents, Alexander and Margaret (Leeds) Yule, were also natives of that country, and the mother died in Scotland. The father spent his last days in Kenosha County, Wis., where he had settled in 1840.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born the following children: Margaret, who is now deceased; George, who is living in Champaign County, Ill.; John, residing in Buenos Ayres, South America; Christian, deceased; James, of New York; and Ruby and Mabel at home. All were born on the home farm in this county. The family holds a high position in the social world, and has many friends. Mr. Smith is an influential and honored pioneer of the county, and in politics is a Republican. Prior to the war he was a stanch Abolitionist, and cast his first vote for James G. Birney.


 

 


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