The residence and surroundings of this prominent citizen of Rush Township indicate in a marked degree his enterprise and intelligence, and the manner in which he has improved his time and opportunities. He is a native of Erin's Green Isle, and was born in County Cava Aug. 15, 1828. When a young man of twenty-two years he bid adieu to the friends and associates of his childhood and started for the promised land of America, arriving in New York City in August, 1850. Securing employment on States Island he sojourned there about two years; then resolved to seek his fortunes in the West. We find him first in this county in October 8, 1852, where he was employed as a farm-laborer and on the railroad until 1856.

Mr. Smith now emigrated South to Arkansas where be sojourned a year; but finally made his way back to this county, and for three years thereafter occupied his time as before, working for the different farmers around. In the meantime, however, he was laying his plans for the future; among them being his marriage with Miss Helen McGee, which was celebrated on the 15th of September, 1860. The young people settled upon a tract of land in Warren Township which Mr. Smith had purchased, and which comprised forty-five acres. He occupied this until 1866, then sold out and removed to Apple River where he purchased property and resided two years. This he sold in the spring of 1868, and coming to Rush Township purchased 217 acres of land on section 5; to the improvement of which he has since given his undivided attention. He erected a neat and attractive dwelling, and has gathered around himself and family all the appointments of a pleasant home.

Mrs. Helen (McGee) Smith was born in County Donegal, Ireland, Jan. 6, 1839, and was about three years old when she came with her parents to America. They settled in Wisconsin, and she remained with them until her marriage. Of this union there were born ten children, only four of whom survive, namely: Thomas, Margaret (the wife of James Eagan of Gratiot, Wis.), Nellie, and Mary. The deceased children were named respectively: Annie, Libby. George, James, Eddie and Frank. In commencing the battle of life for himself Mr. Smith had no resources except his stout muscles and sound common sense, together with the habits of industry and economy which had been taught him by his worthy parents. Upon becoming a naturalized citizen he identified himself with the Democratic party, and in religion adheres to the Catholic faith of his fathers. He has kept his eyes open to what was going on around him in the world, and is at once recognized as a man of more than ordinary intelligence. Mrs. Smith is a prime housekeeper, and is a very amiable and intelligent lady, admirably adapted to her position as the wife of a leading citizen.

Transcribed by Christine Walters - Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois (1889)