Person:Francis Smith (31)

Biography for Francis M Smith from the History of Whitley and Noble Counties, Indiana

FRANCIS M SMITH was born in Whitley County, In, January 3, 1849, the son of Elias and Nancy Smith, born respectively in 1825 and 1827, in Wayne County, Ohio, where they were married, January 24, 1847. In 1848, they removed to this township and settled on Section 27, and there the father died, November 20, 1878. The mother still lives on the farm with her children. Our subject, Francis M., the elsdest of eight in the family, remained at home till about twenty-four years of age, when he went forth to seek his own fortune. February 12, 1874, he married Mrs. Martha J Wagner, who was born in Ohio, December 1, 1850, and was the daughter of Philip and Martha Wince. Shortly after his marriage he bought a farm in Section 28, this township, and occupied it until 1882, when he sold it and bought an 80-acred farm in Section 23, in the same township, on which he now resides. He is a rising young man, and quite populr in the community. he and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and have a family of four children, namely: William W Wagner (Mrs. Smith's son by her first husband), Cora, Flora and Emma.