James W. Smith

As printed in 1910

JAMES W. SMITH.

Back to the early pioneer days is traced the interesting life record of James W. Smith, a well-known and highly-respected resident of Burlington Junction, whose long life has been spent in Nodaway county and a man who has played well his part in the development of his community. He has lived to see this part of our great country grow from a wilderness to one of the beautiful spots of the United States, and which is not yet developed to what it will be. He saw, when a boy, the Indian and the deer roaming these prairies, where now are fine houses and highly-cultivated farms, stocked with an excellent grade of cattle and horses, hogs and sheep. It is indeed interesting and instructive to hear him tell of the early days and of the subsequent development of the community. He is said to be the first white child born in Nodaway county, a distinction of which anyone might well be proud, his birth occurring near Guilford, January 9, 1842, and he is the son of Samuel and Sarah (Groom) Smith, the father a native of Tennessee and the latter of Kentucky, each representing old and highly-honored Southern families. In an early day Samuel Smith moved from Tennessee to Clay county, Missouri, and to Nodaway county in 1841, being one of the earliest pioneers here. He was a sterling character and was never daunted by dangers or obstacles that stood in the way of his success. His death occurred at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. His mother, Sarah Groom, married a nephew of Daniel Boone. Two daughters were born to this family, Sarah and Casander (the latter emigrated to Oregon in 1854), and there were two brothers, A. W. and G. W., who live in Wyoming, where they own large ranches.

James W. Smith grew up on the home farm, which he assisted in developing, learning the meaning of hard work when only a lad, attending the common school of those early days during the winter months. Although educational advantages were limited at that time, he made the most of his opportunities, and, later, by contact with the world and much reading, became a well-informed man. He has always devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits and has met with very gratifying success. Starting with nothing in 1865 except his hands and a willingness to work, he has by perseverance, energy and good management accumulated nine hundred acres of valuable land, which ranks with the best in Nodaway county, his attractive place being widely known as “Riverside Farm,” one of the “show places” of the county. He placed the best of improvements of all kinds on his land and so skillfully rotated his crops and managed his fields that the soil has retained its original fertility. He has an excellent residence and large, substantial outbuildings on his place, but he has now retired from active life and is living at his beautiful and modern home in Burlington Junction. Considering the fact that he started without capital or influential friends to assist him, having forged his own way to the front, he is deserving of a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished.

An interesting chapter in the life record of Mr. Smith is that relating to his experience in the great conflict between the states. He being of Southern blood on both sides of the house, it was quite natural for him to cast his lot with the Confederacy, enlisting as a private in Company B, Third Regiment Missouri Cavalry, Confederate States Army, he being nineteen years old at his enlistment. He served very faithfully through the war, never shirked duty or shrank from danger or hardship. He was wounded at the fierce conflict at Franklin, Tennessee, taken prisoner, and sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, where he was released in June, 1865. Besides the engagement mentioned above, he took part in the battles of Blue Mills and Lexington, Missouri; Corinth, Baker’s Creek and Jackson, Mississippi; Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Altoona Pass, Georgia, and many other minor engagements.

Mr. Smith was married on May 5, 1870, to Adaline Johnston, daughter of Ephraim and Rebecca (Jones) Johnston, of Burlington Junction, Missouri, and this union has resulted in the birth of the following children: Eva C., born April 3, 1874, married Prof. P. W. Jenkins, of Ohio, but now they live in the state of Wyoming, where Mr. Jenkins is ranching; Annie B., born October 22, 1877, married W. H. Pitkin, of Ohio, whose residence is now Sioux City, Iowa, where he is engaged successfully in the practice of law; Edna P., the youngest child, born May 9, 1884, married L. O. Staples, son of R. R. Staples, of Atchison county, Missouri; the son owns a two-hundred-acre farm near Burlington Junction, Nodaway county.

Politically, Mr. Smith is a Democrat, and he belongs to the Christian church. He has always led a quiet, honest and well-regulated life, which has gained for him the respect of a host of admiring friends who regard him as one of the leading citizens of Nodaway county.

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