Isaac M. Smith

As printed in 1906

ISAAC M. SMITH, a prominent farmer residing on section 13, Berrien township, Isaac M. Smith has from an early period in the development of the county resided within its borders. His birth occurred on the farm where he now lives, March 17, 1847, son of John Smith, who was born in Preble county, Ohio, where he remained until he had reached his twenty-first year. In company with his brother Isaac he in 1829 came to Berrien county, Michigan, and located the land now owned by his son Isaac M. In the following year, 1830, the brother Isaac moved with his family to Berrien county, and in 1831 was followed by John Smith, who toop up his above on the farm which he had secured two years before This continued as his home until his life's labors were ended in death, passing away in 1892, when he had reached the age of eighty-four years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rachel Burk, was a native of Giles county.

Virginia, where she remained until ten years of age, emigrating thence to Berrien county, Michigan, this being about the year 1830. She died at the age of seventy-eight years, after becoming the mother of six children, three sons and three daughters, all of whom grew to years of maturity and two sons and a daughter are now living.

Isaac M. Smith, the youngest of the family has spent his entire life on the old Smith homestead, receiving his education in the district schools of the locality, and from an early age he has assisted in the work of the fields. In 1871 he was married to Emma Murphy, who was born in Ohio but came to Berrien county, Michigan, when very young. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have no children of their own, but have reared an adopted daughter, Edna, who is at home. In addition to his general agricultural pursuits Mr. Smith makes a specialty of dealing in timber and lumber, buying and shipping extensively, and for twenty-five years he has followed this business, his efforts throughout this long period being attended with a well merited degree of success. He is the owner of three hundred and thirty-one acres of the finest land to be found in all Berrien county, the work of which is carried on by hired assistants. The Democratic party receives Mr. Smith's hearty support and co-operation, and as its representative he served at one time as highway commissioner. Mr. Smith has two of the old deeds, executed January 4, 1 83 1, and October 10, 1833, both signed by President Andrew Jackson and these are valuable documents in Mr. Smith's home.

As printed in A twentieth century history of Berrien County, Michigan (1906). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.