| 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home has long since been replaced by a good frame residence, and its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. |
