SMITH, IRA A. - Like most of the counties in this section of the state, the county of Cass contains many farms that, besides their special adaptability for a high degree of cultivation, show the evidence of notable industry and thrift on the part of those well known agriculturists who own and operate the land. Among these is the fine tract near the village of Oakford, lying in section 32, township 19, range 8, which belongs to ira A. Smith. Here, in addition to general farming, its owner is engaged in the raising of stock. He buys stock and feeds it for market, and also makes a specialty of pure-bred Jersey Duroc hogs.

Ira A. Smith is a native of Menard County, Ill., where his birth took place December 5, 1879. His father's name was Samuel M. Smith, born in Norristown, Pa., December 23, 1853. The maiden name of the mother was Sophia Jane Kirby, born in Menard County, Ill., August 26, 1858. Samuel M. Smith was a farmer by occupation, and was engaged in this work and stockraising throughout his active life, being successful in all his undertakings, and leaving, besides material possessions, the heritage of a good reputation to his son. In early life Ira A. Smith attended the country schools, and subsequently devoted his time to the operation of the home farm, which is composed of 310 acres of very desirable land, where he remained until he was twenty-one years of age. He then bought 118 acres in Menard County, which he sold and bought his present farm of 240 acres.

On November 21, 1900, Mr. Smith was united in the bonds of matrimony with Ida M. Ishmael, who was born August 31, 1883, and is a daughter of Charles M. and Lydia Alice (Lane) Ishmael. Her father was born in Cass County, Ill., September 8, 1850, and her mother, in Schuyler County, Ill., May 5, 1862. They have three children, namely: Alice Bernice, born August 22, 1901; Samuel M., born October 17, 1903; and Ira A., born April 7, 1914.

Politically Mr. Smith is a Democrat, and as such was elected school director in his township, in which capacity he served acceptably for a period of six years. His religious faith is that of the Baptist denomination. He is affiliated with the A.F. & A.M., Chandlerville Lodge No. 724; and Easter Star, DeWitt Chapter 119, R.A., of Petersburg, Ill. Mr. Smith is a very industrious man, and his pleasant disposition makes him popular among his numerous acquaintances.