Washington Co., AR - Biographies - James W. Smith

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James W. Smith, farmer and stock raiser of Washington County, Ark., is 
a Virginian, and was born in Botetourt County June 14, 1832. His 
father, Philip Smith, and grandfather Smith, were also Virginians, and 
of German descent. The father was married in his native State, to Mary 
Anderson, and in 1849 moved to Arkansas, purchasing a farm near where 
James W. now resides, and there spent the remainder of his days, dying 
in 1855. He was a harness and saddle maker by trade, and was highly 
esteemed and respected by all who knew him. His widow is still living, 
and has attained the age of ninety-two years. They were the parents of 
five sons and four daughters, and seven of their children grew to 
mature years, and became the heads of families. Two sons died during 
the war. James W. took the management of affairs into his own hands 
after the death of his father, and continued to care for the family 
until 1861, when he enlisted in the Confederate service, being a 
member of the Second Arkansas Infantry. After serving three months, 
and participating in the battle of Wilson's Creek, he joined Col. 
Brooks' regiment, with which he served until the close of the war, 
then returned home and engaged in farming. He has a fine farm of 210 
acres, nearly all of which is bottom-land, with 130 acres under 
cultivation, and a splendid orchard of 250 trees. June 1, 1880, he was 
married to Miss Mary Crouches, a daughter of John Crouches. Mrs. Smith 
was born in Washington County, and is the mother of five children: 
Thomas E., William L., Nora, Pearl Lee and Alice.