SMITH, ISAAC N. - In whatever sphere of life one's lot may be cast, earnest effort, directed with energy, prudence and constancy, is almost certain to have its reward in gaining a comfortable subsistence, and in the course of lengthening years, to result in the acquisition of a snug competency. Such an experience is manifest in the career of Isaac N. Smith, a well known farmer and stockraiser of Cass County, where he has been thus engaged for the past twenty-four years. The farm of Mr. Smith, consisting of 120 acres of good land, is located in section 32, township 19, range 8, and his residence address is Oakford, Ill., R.F.D. No. 1.

Isaac N. Smith was born in the country where he makes his present home, on February 6, 1848. His father, Larkin B. Smith, a contractor, millwright and farmer, was born in Washington County, Ky., January 14, 1816, and the maiden name of his mother was Nancy Jane Nash, born in Coles County, Ill., in the month of June, 1823. The father continued to live in Kentucky until 1832, when he accompanied his parents to Illinois, moving overland by wagon to Morgan County. In the course of his boyhood he became accustomed to the use of carpenter's tools under the instruction of his father, and was employed at the carpenter's trade for eleven years. At the end of this period he applied himself to farming. He had received a common school education, and remained in Morgan County until he reached the age of twenty-six. Then he moved to Logan County, Ill., and after remaining there three years, located in Cass County, where he bought the farm which he now owns and operates.

On November 21, 1869, in Morgan County, Ill., Mr. Smith was married to Sarah F. Moss, born January 14, 1840, who died August 26, 1914. She was a daughter of John B. and Elizabeth (Stanley) Moss. The parents of Mrs. Smith were natives of Tennessee, where the father was born July 16, 1816, and the mother, June 29, 1820. They were pioneers of Morgan County. Her ancestry dates back to the Stanleys of Stanleydale, Scotland. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, namely: Jennie E., born September 5, 1870, married J. C. Lynn; Alfred T., born October 3, 1872; Lawrence B., born November 8, 1877; and Isabell, born June 18, 1882.

In religious belief Mr. Smith's father and mother were Methodists, and their son Isaac was reared in that faith, but in later years, he became a member of the Baptist church. His political affiliation has always been with the Democratic party, and he has rendered efficient and acceptable public service in the capacity of school director. He has always been very fond of reading, and his leisure hours have been largely devoted to the perusal of instructive books and periodicals. From these sources he has derived a considerable fund of useful information, and bears the reputation of being well versed in practical knowledge. He is a man of liberal disposition, and his hospitality is well known. He enjoys the respect and good will of his neighbors, and of all who have made his acquaintance.