James Smith

JOB, SMITH

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 3/26/2011 at 12:13:34

A Biographical History of Central Kansas, 1902, Vol. I, p.36

Sketch on Francis M. Smith, grandson of James Smith

The father (James Job Smith) was born in Cumberland Co., Kentucky on the 5th of January, 1813 and was a son of James Smith, whose birth occurred in Baltimore, Maryland in 1782.

The great grandfather of our subject was Samuel Smith, who removed to North Carolina about 1792, and therefore his son, James, was reared in that state. After arriving at years of maturity he wedded Elizabeth Job, a native of North Carolina and they became the parents of two children while residing in that state. Subsequently, they went to Kentucky, crossing the mountains on horseback. They took up their abode in Cumberland Co., that state, among the pioneer settlers, and aided in laying the foundation for the present prosperity and progress of that commonwealth.

They were the parents of nine children: Samuel and Jane, who were born in North Carolina; Thomas, Levi, Ruth, James Job, John and William who were born in Kentucky; and Elijah, who was born in Indiana whither the family had previously removed. After residing for a time in the Hoosier state they went to Morgan Co., Illinois, subsequently to Cass Co., Illinois and afterward to Madison Co., Iowa, where James Smith and his wife spent their last days, both passing away when about 73 years of age.

They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and were earnest and loyal Christian people, rearing their children in that faith and doing all in their power to promote the cause of Christianity among their fellow man.