William Nathan Smith

As printed in 1883

WILLIAM NATHAN SMITH, farmer and stock-raiser, section 20, postoffice Knights. The subject of this sketch is a native of Jasper county. His father, James Smith, came from Putnam county, Ind., in 1840, and settled on Spring River, where our subject was born March 19, 1843. The following year the family moved to Newton county, where our subject spent his youth. As was usual with young men at that day, at the breaking out of the civil war, he was pronouncedly for the Union, and though not regularly mustered he did the state some service as scout to General Sanborn and in other useful and dangerous capacities. He was elected captain of an organized company of Enrolled Missouri Militia, but was never called into active service. He was appointed registering officer of the Neosho district at the reorganization of Newton county in 1866. Was married May 15, 1867, to Miss Martha Johnson, a native of Arkansas, daughter of B. F. Johnson, deceased, for many years a respected resident of Jasper county. Since his marriage Mr. Smith has been a resident of Union township, Jasper county. His family consists of three sons and four daughters. Their names are Lolman W., Forester T., Maud M., Mary M., Cora Y., Nathan O., and Stella. His farm consists of eighty acres, well improved, three-fourths of a mile from Knights Station and five miles from Carthage. Mr. Smith is well known and respected in the county, and is looked upon as an energetic, public spirited citizen, and enjoys the esteem of his fellows. He has been repeatedly honored by places of public trust, and has ever rendered a good account of his stewardship, and has had a varied and exciting experience during his short life. Daring the war times, owing to the part he took, his life was always in danger, and desperate and determined men had vowed to kill him at sight. He made two trips across the plains to New Mexico and Colorado in government employ, his first trip being made through the hostile Indian country of the Cheyennes, Arapahoes, Kiowas, and Utes. Was a companion of William Haycock, " Wild Bill." The trip was very remarkable in its varied experience. They feasted and starved, roasted and nearly froze. Mr. Smith has been an active member of the Patrons of Husbandry since its introduction here, and is steward of the county grange.

As printed in The history of Jasper county, Missouri : including a condensed history of the state, a complete history of Carthage and Joplin, other towns and townships : together with numerous portraits of prominent (1883). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.