G. W. Smith, farmer; P. O. Westfield; was born in Pulaski Co., Ky., April 17, 1813; when he was ten years of age his parents moved to Lawrence Co., Ind., and remained there about six years engaged in farming; from there they moved to Vigo Co., Ind., where his parents died. In 1839, Mr. Smith came to Coles Co., and first settled on Sec. 27, in this township, living there until 1863, when he moved to his present farm on Sec. 26, containing 87 acres. He held the office of School Director several terms. He married Miss Eliza Boland (her parents being natives of Virginia), in Vigo Co., Ind., August, 1840; they had nine children, six girls and three boys, five girls living – Sarah Jane (now Mrs. Preston Walker, of Texas), Leanner, Louisa, Polly (now Mrs. Samuel Merritt, of Charleston, Coles Co., Ill.), and Rosetta (now Mrs. Cornelius King, of Clark Co., Ill.), and one deceased, Filinda, and two boys living, George W. and Benjamin T., one deceased, David. The brother of Mr. Smith, Anthony, was born in the same county in the year 1815, and came with his parents also to Vigo Co., Ind., and engaged in farming up to the time of his death, 1857. He was married to Miss Hannah Sparks, of Ind., who died in the year 1855; he left three sons, two living, one of whom William R., Mr. G. W. Smith brought with him to Coles Co. when only 4 years old, who has made his home with him ever since.
