[p. 636] whose magnificent farm of 202 acres, is situated in Perry Township, four miles northeast of Ellwood City, was born on a farm two miles north of his present one, on which he has lived since he was two years of age. His birth took place October 29, 1861, and his parents were James and Rose (Morrison) Smith.
The father of Mr. Smith was born in Ireland and was twelve years of age when he came to America with his parents, who located at Bloomington, Illinois. James Smith came to Western Pennsylvania during the building of the Beaver Canal and after it was completed, he worked as a farmer for a Mr. Harris and then bought the farm which is owned by Ross Smith. Later he bought the farm in Perry Township which now belongs to his son, James F., on which he passed the remainder of his life. He married a daughter of William Morrison, who was a prominent citizen of Perry Township, a large landowner and a justice of the peace. They had the following children: Samuel, who was accidentally killed; William John; Francis S.; Ross; James F.; Harriet, who died in Arizona; Elizabeth, who died in Lawrence County; and Mary Ann.
James F. Smith has long been counted with the most extensive and successful farmers of Perry Township. Ever since leaving school he has been more or less the operator of the farm and since the death of his father has owned the property.
Mr. Smith married Mary Elizabeth Mehard, who is a daughter of Joseph Mehard, of Wayne Township, and they have three children: Samuel Hanford, Sarah Helen and Alice Jane. The family belong to the United Presbyterian Church. Politically, Mr. Smith is a stanch Republican and at present is serving in the office of township assessor.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
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Updated: 19 Nov 2001