In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1840
From History of Boone County, Missouri (1882)
FRANCIS M. SMITH.
Francis Marion Smith is the son of William Smith, a native ot'M(*rcer county, Kentucky. He came to St. Louis at an early day and to Boone county in 1818 with Peter Ellis, whose daughter he nmrried. He settled on a farm in the vicinity of Ashland, which he finally improved. Upon this farm the subject of this sketch was born February 18, 1840. Was raised on the farm and educated in the common schools of the neighborhood. Has had charge of the farm upon which he now lives since 18(54. Has always followed the occupation of farmer and a dealer in stock, principally cattle and mules. Mr. Smith was married in Audrain county, September 14, 1864, to Miss Hattie J. Pearson, daughter of Richmond Pearson. They have two sons. SmirtM.h has been a justice of the peace since 1880. He is*
'Zcl'ai-TuX aber of Dry Fork Baptist church; also of the Ancient Order ted Workmen.
As printed in History of Boone County, Missouri (1882). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1882. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.