Kentucky: A History of the State, Battle, Perrin, & Kniffin, 6th ed., 1887,
Henry Co.

HON. ALEXANDER BRECKINRIDGE SMITH, better known as Breck Smith, was born in
Henry County, Ky., April 11, 1829.  His father was Russell M. Smith, 
and his mother Eliza Ballard, of the well known Kentucky family of that name.
They were both Virginians by birth, came to Kentucky when young with their
parents, were married about 1822, and our subject is the fourth of
fourteen children born to them.  He was brought up on the farm, and from
the best schools in the session he received a good education.  During
vacations he got the usual farm training, and adopted agriculture as his
life work.  In his twentieth year he was united in marriage with Miss
Susan E. Smith, daughter of Abram and Mary (Shrader) Smith, of Henry
County, and a granddaughter of the late Jacob Shrader, of Oldham County.
Both of the Smith families came from Virginia, but were in no way related.
The Shraders came from Pennsylvania.  In 1852 our subject moved to Collin
County, Tex., where he followed farming, but in 1854 returned to his
native county, where he has since resided on his farm near New Castle. In
1867 he was elected to the Legislature over Gen. Humphrey Marshall, and
served his people satisfactorily in both sessions.  He has been chairman
of the Democratic committee of Henry County for many years, and is a firm
and true supporter of Democratic principles.  In the last State election he
was a prominent candidate for lieutenant governor, and it was generally
believed that he would receive the nomination until a mistake made by his
county delegation destroyed his chances, and caused him to withdraw.  For
many years he has been recognized among farmers as a leader, and in 1879
was chosen master of the State grange, and did much to revive the order.
As a member of that body he was always consistent, but firm in his
position to oppose all encroachments of monopolies, especially such as
tended to oppress or burden the farmers.  In 1883 he was appointed by the
governor of Kentucky a delegate to the National Farmers Congress at
Washington City, of which he is now vice-president.  He is a forcible
speaker, and at all of its subsequent sessions he has been present and
has presided most of his time.  In the chair he is a good parliamentarian,
and his decisions will always be found to be fair and in accordance with
the manual.  He is an active, practical and successful farmer and liberal
man.  He is now being solicited by friends all over the State to again
allow his name to be used in the race for lieutenant-governor, and should
his party give him the nomination his name will add strength to the ticket.
He is the father of nine living children--five daughters and four sons:
Charles A., Abraham, Mary E., Russell M., Emma B., Kate D., Albert A.,
Susan E. and William P.  He has one daughter deceased, Virginia B., who
died in infancy in 1864.  Mr. Smith now owns 600 acres of land, which is
all well improved, and a greater part of the same in a high state of
cultivation.  Personally he is clever, sociable and progressive; his
children rank among the best citizens of the State.  He is frequently
mentioned by the press, and always in words of praise.

Smith Ballard Shrader
=
Oldham-KY Colin-TX PA

http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/henry/smith.ab.txt