George S. Smith
Portrait and Biographical Album
Lake County, Illinois, 1891
George S. Smith is the owner of a highly improved farm of one hundred
and forty acres situated on section 25, Antioch Township, and ranks
among the leading agriculturists of the county. From a wild and barren
tract he transformed his land into rich and fertile fields. Not a
furrow had been made, but after plowing the land he planted crops, and
in the course of time abundant harvests rewarded his labors. Year after
year saw the improved portion enlarged until now the entire amount pays
a golden tribute to his care and labor. Stock-raising has also been an
important branch of his business, and in it he has won prosperity. His
log cabin home has long since been replaced by a good frame residence,
and its entire surroundings indicate the thrift and enterprise of the
owner.
Mr. Smith was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, March 25, 1822, and is
one of six children, whose parents were John and Christina (Patterson)
Smith, both of whom spent their entire lives in the old country. Two of
the children also died in Scotland, the remaining four becoming
residents of America. Isabel is now residing in Chicago; James died
about fourteen years ago; and Christian makes his home in Nebraska.
George Smith received liberal educational advantages in his youth, and
was also early inured to work on the farm. He was a young man of
seventeen years when he bade good-by to home and friends and sailed for
America with the intention of trying his fortune. The succeeding three
years after his arrival were spent in Kenosha County, Wis., and in 1843
he settled upon his present farm in Lake County, which has been his
home continuously since. In Chicago in 1845 he was united in marriage
with Beatrice Yule, who was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, January 26,
1827. Her parents, Alexander and Margaret (Leeds) Yule, were also
natives of that country, and the mother died in Scotland. The father
spent his last days in Kenosha County, Wis., where he had settled in
1840.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born the following children:
Margaret, who is now deceased; George, who is living in Champaign
County, Ill.; John, residing in Buenos Ayres, South America; Christian,
deceased; James, of New York; and Ruby and Mabel at home. All were born
on the home farm in this county. The family holds a high position in
the social world, and has many friends. Mr. Smith is an influential and
honored pioneer of the county, and in politics is a Republican. Prior
to the war he was a stanch Abolitionist, andcast his first vote for
James G. Birney.
