Grundy County IL Archives Biographies.....Smith, Austin J 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com May 13, 2006, 8:03 pm

Author: History of Grundy County, 1914

Smith, Austin J., - A practical knowledge of conditions governing working men 
aids materially in the practice of any profession, and in none more than that 
of law. One of the attorneys of Morris, a man who has labored with his hands 
among farmers, railroad men and coal miners, is Austin J. Smith, who has 
discharged the duties of one of its important offices with distinction. Mr. 
Smith was born in Addison County, Vermont, November 14, 1849, son of William 
Green and Isabelle (Bresse) Smith, natives of Vermont. The family on both 
sides traces back to early colonial days. In 1853, Mr. and Mrs. Smith moved to 
Kendall County, Ill., and there rented land for some time.  Later they bought 
land in Will County, where both passed away.

Austin J. Smith resided with his parents until his mother died in the spring 
of 1873. In young manhood, Mr. Smith worked on the farm, but his ambitions led 
him to take up railroading, and later office work for coal companies. His 
knowledge of men led his employers to advance him to the position of 
superintendent and distributing agent, and he carried out his duties well. In 
1902 Mr. Smith was elected county clerk of Grundy County, and served for two 
consecutive terms, his daughter Edith M., acting as chief deputy. While in 
office they devoted their spare time to the study of law, reading and taking 
examinations together and, after being admitted to the bar, entered into 
partnership with Henman B. Smith, an attorney of Morris and son of Austin J., 
thus forming a law firm of father, son and daughter, the firm being Smith, 
Smith and Smith. Mr. Smith was educated in the public schools and St. Paul's 
Academy of Kankakee, Ill.

On November 14, 1872, Mr. Smith married Lucy Vining, born at Kankakee, Ill., 
daughter of Samuel and Jane (Smith) Vining, natives of Illinois. The father 
was one of the early settlers of Kankakee, and a son of Abijah Vining. Mr. and 
Mrs. Smith have had two children: Henman Bresse and Edith Maud. Mr. Smith is a 
Republican. A prominent Mason, he is a Past Commander of Blaney Commandery No. 
5, Knights Templar, and also belongs to Medinah Temple, order of the Mystic 
Shrine. In addition he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America of Coal City.

page 900

Additional Comments:
Source:  History of Grundy County, Illinois, Chicago: Munsell Publishing Co. 
Publishers; 1914

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