Mr. Smith came to this State with his father in 1835, and is a native of Hickman County, Tenn., having been born on Kane Creek, Oct. 30, 1829. His father, was also a native of Tennessee, and was reared to agricultural pursuits in his native State, where he was afterward married to Elizabeth Moss, who was born and reared there also. After marriage, he pursued farming until four children were born, when they started for Illinois with an ox-team, and arrived there safely in the year indicated. When Peter Smith came to Morgan County, it was a wilderness of prairie, and there were few people living here. His early life in this county was passed in much the same manner as the lives of other pioneers were, full of hardship, but he lived until he saw his adopted county rise to the eminence of being one of the best in the great State of Illinois. Those who are now enjoying the fruits of these early sufferings, should remember that the men who came here and prepared the way for their children, deserve greater respect than an army that conquers by the sword. Peter Smith died on his original farm, May 18, 1876. He was then seventy-three years of age, and his wife preceded him to the shadowy realm, in May, 1875. She was nearly sixty-seven years old. This respected couple were members of the old school Baptist Church, and were well-liked by their associates. They made a good record, of which their posterity ought to feel proud.

Wiley Smith is the second son and child of a family of ten children, seven of whom are living, married and have families. He was reared to manhood in this county, and was married here to Miss Jane Standley, who was born in the township where he now resides, on Dec. 15, 1840. She is the daughter of Noble and Nancy (Smart) Standley, both of whom died here some years ago at an advanced age. They came from Tennessee, where they were married, and after the birth of two children emigrated to Illinois in the year 1829, where they lived until their death. They suffered the hardships common to all pioneers, and coming here when the country was new, they had an opportunity of choosing a good farm which they improved. They purchased their land from the Government at $1.25 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Standley were members of the old school Baptist church, belonging to that organization for many years.

Mrs. Smith was one of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters. Three sons are deceased, one of whom, David, was accidently killed by a runaway team. He was married and left a family. Another one, Thomas, was killed during the war in Missouri, by the rebels. He left a family also. Another one died while in infancy. Mrs. Smith is the mother of six children, the following three being deceased: Mary died April 12, 1879, when past seventeen years of age; Charles H. died Feb. 18, 1877, at the age of four years, while death claimed an infant. The following are living at home: Hester, Rosa, Clarinda, and Edgar N.

In the affairs of life, Mr. and Mrs. Smith have achieved a success, and their reputation is that of the best. They attend the Baptist Church, and politically, Mr. Smith believes that the Democratic party is the best.