Biography of John SMITH, DeWitt County, Illinois Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives Copyright 1999 Earliene Kaelin Source: People from the Histories 1882 History JOHN SMITH Among the old and prominent settlers of DeWitt county was John Smith, lately deceased. He was born in Hardy county, Virginia, February. 23, 1805. He came to DeWitt county in the fall of 1835, and stopped in Mount Pleasant, now Farmer city. When the town rose to the dignity of a village he was elected Justice of the Pence, and decided the disputes arising among the early settlers with impartial justice. He opened a hotel, the first one in the village, and for many years kept the only house of entertainment there. His was the favorite stopping place for many years for the travelers going and coming from Bloomington, Peoria, and western points. In after years he gave his exclusive attention to farming, in which he continued until his death, which occurred June 8th, 1878. On the 8th of January, 1828, he married Mary D. Mitchell, who was born in Frederick county, Virginia, July 10th, 1801. She died July 31, 1878, leaving no offspring. In her earlier years, she taught the first school in Mount Pleasant. Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith were members of the M. E. church: In life they had numerous friends, and were much esteemed and respected for their good qualities of both head and heart. In this life they were noted for their many sets of pure benevolence, and both were charitable to a fault. William W. Murphey was raised by them, and to a certain extent was adopted by Mrs. Smith, who was his aunt. He was born in Frederick county, Virginia, October 15th, 1838, and is the son of Hiram and Grace (Mitchell) Murphey. His father was born April 15, 1797, and died August 20th, 1881. His mother (Mrs. Murphey), was born May 20, 1806, and died December 17, 1880. In 1843 Mr. and Mrs. Smith, while on a visit to Virginia, brought W. W. Murphey with them. It was expected that Mr. Murphey's father would soon follow, but he did not come until 1853. Mr. Murphey remained with Mr. Smith until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted for three years in Company F, 41st Penn- sylvania Volunteers. He was twice wounded, first at Fort Donelson, and then at the battle of Jackson. At the siege of Vicksburg he was one of eighty men who were detailed to scale the out works and advance to the Horse-Shoe Bend, and establish and advance the line, which was a most difficult and hazardous undertaking, but it succeeded. On the 5th of October, 1865, he married Miss Nancie H., daughter of Cary and Ann Burford. There are three children by that union, named Edward C., Grace A. and Mary V. Murphey. Both he and his wife are members nf the M. E. church. He is Republican in politics. ------------------------------------------------------------------ USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organiza- tions or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contri- butor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ----------------------------------------------------------------- File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Earliene Kaelin <jeniann@wa.net>