Biographical Sketches
MAJOR P. C. SMITH
Among the delightful rural homes in Jackson County, Missouri, is that of the gentleman whose name introduces this biographical record, its location being on Section 5, Township 47 North, and Range 32 West, Washington township. The period of his identification with the history of this locality covers three decades, and during the 30 years of his residence here he has been a prominent factor in the affairs of the community, aiding and promoting all interests which are calculated to advance the general welfare. He is justly deserving of the high esteem in which he is held, for his life has been one of honor and upright in its various relations, characterized by that true manly principle which never fails to win esteem and command admiration. The Major comes of a family that has long been established in this country and one noted for its loyalty and fidelity to the nation. His forefathers figured in the wars of the country, in the revolution which gave to America her independence and in the second war with England; and his own title was earned while fighting for the preservation of the union as he followed the stars and stripes on southern battlefields.
He was born in Clermont county, Ohio, on the 11th of March, 1832, and is a son of John P. Smith. His father was born in New Jersey, in the year 1793, and the grandfather was also a native of that state and a direct descendant of John Pye Smith, a notable old English divine. In Clermont county, Ohio, John P. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Naomi Higbee, a native of New Jersey and a daughter of George Higbee. Her paternal grandfather was a captain in the Revolutionary War and rendered valiant service on many a battlefield. The Higbees, like the Smiths, were of English origin, and both families moved in the same year - 1818 - to Clermont county, Ohio. There, as before stated, the parents were married and took up their residence upon a farm. To them were born 9 children, 4 of whom are now living, 2 sons and 2 daughters. The mother died in Clermont county, in 1851, and the father, surviving her for a number of years, passed away in 1875. He was a veteran of the War of 1812 and both he and his good wife were devoted and earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Major Smith of this review, the youngest son in his father's family, was reared to manhood under the parental roof, while in the village school near his home he acquired his education. At the age of 19 he left home and went to Cincinatti, where he engaged in clerking for several years, or until 1855, when he emigrated to Adams county, Illinois, and embarked in business on his own account, as a dealer in general merchandise, in Lima, where he carried on operations until 1862.
The war had been inaugurated and the patriotic spirit was strong within him - far stronger than the desire for wealth. Putting aside all personal considerations, he enlisted, in August, 1862, becoming a member of Company G, 119th Illinois infantry. He was made captain of the company on its organization and served as such 2 years, at the expiration of which time he was made major of the same regiment, his promotion being in recognition of his valiant conduct on the field of battle. With the boys in blue he first marched to Jackson, Tennessee, and soon after took part in the battle of Rutherford, where he conducted the fight with 2 companies under his own command, against Forrest. Here Captain Smith was forced to surrender, but after 2 weeks was released on parole at Columbus, Kentucky, and from there went to St. Louis, where he served on court marital 6 months under General Schofield. He was then exchanged and returned to his regiment at Memphis, Tennessee, and again took command of his company. He was on the Meridian campaign under General Sherman, and was a participant in the Red River expedition under General Banks, during which he engaged with his men in the battles of Fort DeRussey, Pleasant Hill, Cane River, Bayou La Moore, Marksville and Yellow Bayou. When the army was forced to withdraw from that region the command to which Major Smith was attached was left to cover the retreat. He was afterward in the campaign in Arkansas against Marmaduke, and subsequently participated in the battle of Tupelo, Mississippi; then went into Missouri against Price, but the 16th Army Corps under General A. J. Smith turned back at Harrisonville and went to Nashville, where he was in the two-days battle under General George H. Thomas. It was immediately after the engagement at Nashville that he was promoted major of his regiment. Then followed the transfer to New Orleans and Mobile, the siege and capture of Spanish Fort, and of Fort Blakely, and the surrender of Mobile - in all of which he was a participant. By the fortunes of war he was next transferred to Montgomery, Alabama, and a month later he returned to Mobile, where he was honorable discharged, August 20, 1865, after a service of just 3 years. Throughout his army life, although he was often in the hottest of the fight, he never received a wound. Faithfully and loyally he followed the old flag until the stars and stripes floated over the capital of the southern confederacy, when he returned to his home with the consciousness of ever having done his duty.
While in Missouri during the war Major Smith was very favorably impressed with the climate and natural resources of this section of the state, and the year following his return from the army he came back to Missouri and has since made this place his home. It was in April, 1866, that he located on his present farm, a tract comprising 140 acres, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation and improvement. His wife also owns 40 acres of choice land, and their fine residence is one of the most attractive in the community, giving evidence of the culture and refinement of the inmates.
Major Smith was married in 1858, to Miss Naomi j. Killam, a native of Lima, Illinois, and a daughter of Thomas Killam, who for many years was one of the most prominent residents of that locality and a most ardent advocate of abolition principles. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have 6 children, namely: Earnest E., who is living in Kansas City, and, in connection with Elbert E., is publisher of the Daily Law and Credit Record of Kansas City; Mrs. Almina Campbell, Mrs. Fannie Bryant, Harold A. and Clifford B.
Major Smith has long been identified with the Masonic fraternity, and being a union veteran is of course a member of the popular organization known as the Grand Army of the Republic. His political views harmonize with the principles of the republican party, to which his support and influence have been given since he has attained his majority. He is a warm friend of the cause of education, does all in his power to advance its interests, and for 40 years has most capably served as school director. He takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community and its advancement in moral, social and legitimate business lines. He is a man whom to know is to respect and esteem, and his friends throughout the community are many. On another page appears a portrait of the major, who, whether in public or in private life, has commanded the respect of all with whom he has come in contact.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.