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Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The
Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties,
State of Washington", published by Western Historical Publishing
Co., 1904.
WILLIAM J. SMITH is one of the
oldest pioneers of Douglas county and so long has he been identified with
the country and its interests that one might say that his life has been
practically all spent here. He resides about six miles north from
Mold on a fine tract of land of six hundred and forty acres, most of which
is under cultivation. The farm is a model one supplied with modern
and commodious buildings and all other improvements needed. Mr. Smith
gives his attention both to raising small grains and breeding horses.
He has a fine band and a good Shire and Percheron stallion. His thrift
and industry have made him one of the wealthy and leading men of the county
and he has richly deserved the confidence and esteem given him by his fellows.
William J. Smith was born in Schuyler county,
Missouri, on March 6, 1867, being the son of John H. and Sarah C. (Horton)
Smith, natives of Tennessee and Missouri, respectively. Our subject
began his education in Adair county, Missouri, and in 1883, came with his
parents by wagon across the country to Douglas county. He was a pupil
in the first school taught in the county, C. C. Ladd being the instructor.
Much of Mr. Smith's youth was spent in the saddle riding for stock.
The father had located in what was known as the California settlement and
later, our subject took a claim also. Finally, he purchased his father's
land, and in 1901, took a homestead, all of which makes him the estate
mentioned above. Mr. Smith has one brother, James H., and one sister,
Mrs. Loucina Mitchel, and one half-brother, Arthur L., and one half-sister,
Mrs. Bertha Sims.
In the California settlement on March 3, 1895,
Mr. Smith married Miss Clara F. Boone. She was born in Salem, Oregon,
on March 21, 1878, being a daughter of Frank B. and Jennie (Tyler) Boone,
natives of Oregon and Missouri, respectively, and now residing in British
Columbia. She has the following brothers and sisters; Arthur H.,
born in Salem, Oregon; Nellie E., born in Waitsburg, Washington; Mabel
A., also born in Waitsburg; Harvey H., born in Douglas county; and Elsie,
also born in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith, five children have
been born; Bessie A., on May 14, 1896; Vera M., on August 28, 1898; Leroy,
on March 15, 1900; Clara P., on July 11, 1902, and Itha, on April 2, 1904.
All were born in Douglas county. Mr. Smith is a member of the Maccabees.
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