Was born in Marion township, Daviess County, Missouri, November 7, 1858. His father, Samuel Smith, was a native of Switzerland County, Indiana, born June 30, 1835; he came to Missouri in 1857 and located in Daviess County, where he was extensively engaged in farming and shipping stock. While engaged in this business, May 28, 1880, he met his death in a sad manner. While on his way to Chicago with cattle, and just as he had left Bureau Junction, Illinois, he was walking on top of the cars to the caboose, and by some means fell off and was instantly killed. He was a man universally beloved for his native goodness, promptness and business integrity, and for his usefulness in the church and in society. It is rehearsed by those who were well acquainted with him, “That few men have lived who were more esteemed.” He was a leading member of the Christian Church and was all that society could ask for as a citizen or the family as a kind husband and father. The mother of our subject, Mrs. Sarah Smith, nee Frazier; was born in Howard County, Indiana, April 9, 1838. She still lives upon the homestead with her son. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had two children; viz., William E., the subject of this sketch; and Laura A., born February 20, 1875.’
William E. Smith was married, July 29, 1880, to Miss Ella R. Jackson, who was born in Green County, Wisconsin, March 18, 1858. Her mother, Lucinda Jackson, died February, 1863; her father, R. M. Jackson, still lives in this county. Mr. Smith is following the same business that his father was engaged in and is a man of fine business ability and regarded as one of -our foremost and leading citizens.