Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County,
Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of
prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with
portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States,
and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890;
page 583-584; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
Marshall W. Smith. Conspicuous among the young farmers of
Banner Township is the gentleman above-names, who owns and operates one
hundred and thirty acres of land on section 15. He was born in
this county October 24, 1853, reared on a farm, and acquired a good,
practical education in the common schools. He remained an inmate
of his father’s household until he was twenty-five years of age, when
he took a companion and helpmate, and established a home of his
own. He is manifesting energy and intelligence n the prosecution
of his agricultural labor, giving his attention to mixed farming, and
reaping a due reward for his efforts.
On January 10, 1879, the marriage rites were celebrated between
our subject and Miss Retta Elinora Spencer, whose excellent qualities
had won his esteem. The union has been blest by the birth of four
children, of whom one, Nellie, died in infancy. Those living are
George Herman, born October 18, 1881; Hattie Bell M., September 23,
1883; Mary E. June 18, 1889. George Spencer, the father of Mrs.
Smith, still lives in this county, where he made an early settlement.
Mr. Smith exercises the right of suffrage in behalf of the
candidates and principles of Democracy. He has been Assessor of
Banner Township and Collector two terms. He is identified with
the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Canton. He has added to
his early education by a judicious use of good journals, by personal
observation, and by contact with mankind. His character is
upright, and his future life promises to be and honored and useful one.
Aaron Smith, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a
native of Brandenburg, Prussia, and emigrated to America in 1799.
He located in Jefferson County, W. Va., where his son, Wm. H., the
father of our subject was born. Smithfield, the place of nativity
of William H. Smith, was named in honor of the family. That
gentleman came to this county in 1835, locating in Banner Township,
where he still resides. His wife bore the maiden name of
Elizabeth Wilcoxen, and is now deceased.
