George R. Smith

As printed in 1910

GEORGE R. SMITH.

George R. Smith, one of the native farmers and dairymen of Osco township, whose home is on section 27, was born March 9, 1870, and is a son of Jared H. and Mary E. (Knowles) Smith. Reared at home to agricultural pursuits, he attended the district schools and later the high school at Cambridge, for two winters; supplemented by two winters' study at the Duncan Business College. On the completion of his education he went into partnership with his father under the firm title of T.. H. Smith & Son. They bought the stock of A.

A. Crane, who was engaged in the breeding of Hereford cattle, and for two years conducted a stock business. At the end of that period the partnership was dissolved and George R. Smith took up general farming, giving some attention to the feeding of cattle. He was successful beyond the average, for he spared no effort to keep abreast of the progress made in his line of work and in 1908 he purchased his first milking machine. It was at the time the first in Henry county and perhaps still enjoys the distinction. Mr. Smith has now bought three machines, with each of which he miles two cows, and is now able to milk his herd of thirty-five in about one and a quarter hours. This incident but serves as an indication of his attitude toward the advances that science has made in the agricultural world as in other fields, and when this frame of mind is joined with great industry and intelligence it is but natural that in the succeeding years Mr. Smith should attain to an enviable position among the farmers of his township.

In Munson township, December 30, 1894, were pronounced the words that made Mr. Smith and Miss Clara May Masch man and wife. She had been born in Henry county and is a daughter of Henry and Mary Masch. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but one, Willard H., died in infancy. Those living are: Mary E., Anna E., George R., and Leita Naomi. The family are being reared in the faith of the Episcopal church, that to which Mr. and Mrs. Smith give their religious allegiance, and they attend the services of Grace church of that denomination. Politically, Mr. Smith gives his support to the candidates of the republican party, but he has never sought public office, though he has served as township clerk and justice of the peace.

As printed in History of Henry County, Illinois (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.