Biographical Sketch of C W SMITH, Madison County, Illinois This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Crystal Jensen History of Madison Co Illinois, 1812-1912, pages 1176-1178, Volume#1 C.W. Smith: "Like Father, Like Son" proves true so often that it has come to be a trite saying. Frequently this is by personal selection, the son following in the footsteps of his sire in some particular calling, there being many reasons why this is both desirable and natural. Less often is the son seen emulating the father in the latter's public record. C.W. Smith, of Mitchell, Madison county, Illinois, and his father, Nathan Robison Smith, of Staunton, Macoupin county, have in many respects presented a parallel in their activities. Each has followed farming with success, but with the achievement of success has not cared to seek a home in some city and sink into idleness, but preferred rather to continue active in the pure air of the country. Each also has served his particular county in the same way - as a member of the county board of supervisors. The senior Mr. Smith was one of the first members of the board that paid the debt on the famous "million dollar" court house at Carlinville, on whose construction earlier officers had expended money so wildly that the county seemed hopelessly plunged in a financial mire. After conditions had settled Mr. Smith and others began care fully to plan to retrieve the fortunes of Macoupin, a difficult task but one which was eventually crowned with success. In similar wise the son, Charles Wesley Smith, in the county of Madison, was called by his constituents to a place in the county board of supervisors of Madison county. First elected in 1904, he has been returned to the board from Chouteau township at every election since and is the present representative. He was chairman of the board three successive terms,in 1907, 1908, 1910, and in 1909 was also a member of the board. During these years, by reason of the many important events that were transpiring and grave matters that were continually coming up for consideration, he had much to do. His parlia- mentary rulings were given the approbation of the board and he was a popular and efficient executive. Charles Wesley Smith was born Septembcr 18, 1859, at Staunton, in Macoupin County. His father, Nathan Robison Smith, was born in Greene County on December 5, 1838. He represented Dorchester Township for over twenty years as its supervisor. He now lives near Staunton, blessed with good health and activity even if his life is crowned with more years than the Biblical "three score and ten." Mr. Smith is a staunch Democrat and in addition to the place named has filled the positions of commissioner of highways and school direc- tor. His people were originally from Carolina, and the relatives of his wife, Serelda Walker, a native of Macoupin County, came from West Virginia. By his first marriage Mr. Smith had six children: Charles W., of Mitchell; Rebecca, William, Thomas H., James 0. and Carey L. Of these only two, Charles W. and Thomas H. are living. The second marriage of Mr. Smith was to Hannah Cornelius, who is now also deceased. Their three children are living: Nathan C., Verna Ray and Cornelius. The third wife of Mr. Smith was before her marriage Julia Perrine. Charles W. Smith, the subject of this sketch, attended school in Dorchester Township (during his boyhood) and assisted his father about the farm. When at twenty-one he attained his majority he rented a farm for one year, at the expiration of which time he bought forty acres, which he soon thereafter exchanged for an eighty-acre tract and proceeded to occupy the latter. Coming to Madison county in 1893, he located at Mitchell in Chouteau Township. Three years later he was made assessor of the township and held the place for eight years. A thorough inspection convinced him of the fertility of the ground in Chouteau and he bought a farm and built a fine homestead in 1906. This farm, together with the modern improvements upon it is considered one of the best country places in the county. His services on the board of supervisors and his experience as assessor caused his knowledge of tax matters to be in demand and in 1909 he was appointed to the board of tax review. He filled this important post for four years, being chairman of the board three terms. He is a Democrat in Politics and, it goes without saying, is one of the most prominent members of that party in his vicinity. Much of his time at present Mr. Smith devotes to dealing in livestock. He has on one corner of his premises at Mitchell, where it is convenient to shipping on the railroads, a very large and well-equipped series of barns and outbuildings. His operations cover several states and he buys and sells horses and mules in carload lots, singly or in team or any desired number in between. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, having a record of over twenty years in that order. The Smith family are affiliated with the Methodist Church. Mr. Smith is of a genial nature, quick to make friends and of the cordial disposition that retains them. He is generous and open-hearted and, stands high throughout the American Bottom. On August 25, 1880, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Lyda Hutchinson, the ceremony taking place at the home of the bride in Macoupin County. She was a daughter of James W. Hutchinson and Elizabeth F. (Walker) Hutchinson. Her father was a Methodist preacher and came from Kentucky. Macoupin county was the home of Mr. and Mrs. Smith for some time after their marriage. Four children were born to them: Charles E., who is located in Oklahoma and follows the stock business; Donna P., who married William Dean and is living in Terre Haute; Margaret B., who married Roscoe Brown, of Terre Haute, and Sue, who is at home with her parents. *************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. **************************************************************** This file has been submitted for inclusion in the USGenWeb Archives by: Crystal Jensen Country Life... http://members.tripod.com/~Crystal_J/CountryLife.html Photo Album: Life Was Simple Then; Mid-Illinois 1800's-1900's http://community.webshots.com/user/booklady49 All Surnames Search Page http://members.tripod.com/~Crystal_J/BakerSearch.html