Jacob Smith
Jacob Smith, retired farmer, P.O. South Solon. The subject of this sketch is the oldest man in Stokes Township, and deserves not only a place in the biographical chapter of Madison County, but in the State history. He was born in Maryland June 10, 1803, and emigrated with his parents to Ohio in 1806, stopping first at Cincinnati. In 1807, he pressed forward to Greene County, Ohio, where he remained until 1836, at which time he moved to Madison County, where he settled and is still living. He is a son of Mathias and Barbara (Beckel) Smith, who were natives of Maryland. He was born in 1769, and lived until August 5, 1824, when he passed away; his wife died in 1839. The subject of our sketch was first united in marriage on December 8, 1831, to Amanda Harrod, a native of Greene County, Ohio, born October 11, 1811; she died October, 1872. On April 11, 1876, he married for his second wife, Julia Harris, who was born July 18, 1853, and died April 16, 1882. Mr. Smith has been engaged in farming all his life. He acquired a common school education, and has been Trustee of Stokes Township a number of years. He is the father of six children, of whom five now survive &38212; Enziletta, Samuel H., Jonathan C., Frances M. and George.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]