E. O. W. Smith, merchant, was born in Juniata County, Pa., July 5, 1844. Enlisted in the Union army in February 1864, in Company G, Forty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry: was discharged in 1865, when he returned to Illinois. Came to Jewell County, Kan., in 1872, and took a homestead two and a half miles south of town, which he sold, and bought one five miles from town, containing timber and water, where he carries on farming and stock-raising, making fine stock a specialty; is also the owner of a fine residence in Burr Oak. He went into the restaurant business in Burr Oak in 1877, and in 1880 engaged in general merchandising under the firm name of Faidley, Hollenbeck & Smith, and the firm are doing a flourishing business, in a room 22×60 feet, also a room 22×40, the last named building being used for a boot and shoe store. He was married in Illinois to Miss Hannah Frey, and they have three children – Cory E., George W., and Charles E. Mr. Smith is a member of the K. of P.
