GOODSPEEDS' BIOGRAPHIES OF MADISON COUNTY, AR

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Submitted by: Carole Hammett & Rhonda Jameson
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
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Capt. G. W. R. Smith, a prominent citizen of Madison County, was born in Madison
County , Ala., January 10, 1827, and is a son of Simon P. and Ellen (LEE) Smith,
natives of North Carolina and Virginia, respectively. 

The father went to Alabama when a young man, engaged in farming for a number of
years, and in 1829 moved with his family to Arkansas, locating in Polk County.
In 1830 he came to Madison County, where he died in 1863. 

The mother accompanied her parents to Alabama when a child, where she was reared
and married. Her death occurred in 1860. The following children were born to
her: W. A. G., G. W. R., Lucy J., Desdemona, Melissa, S. P., Frances and Nancy
J. is now deceased. 

Our subject passed his youth on the place where he now lives, and where he has
always been engaged in farming and stock raising. He organized Company G, of the
First Arkansas Infantry, Federal army, in 1863, and served as captain of the
same until the close of the war, after which he again devoted his attention to
farming. He was one of the reconstruction officers after the war for three
years. He is a public-spirited man, and was elected sheriff, holding that office
four years. 

In 1850 he wedded Mary Ann STOTTS, daughter of H. STOTTS, who bore him one
child, which is now deceased. Mrs. SMITH also died, and in 1863 he was married a
second time, Bethesda BOLLINGER becoming his wife. This lady is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. She has no children. Capt. SMITH is a member of the
G. A. R." (Goodspeeds History of NW AR...)