Reuben W. Smith

REUBEN W. SMITH, a well known farmer, residing in section 15, township 32, range 18, in Mound Valley township, Labette county, Kansas, is a native of Fayette county,, Illinois, and was born in 1860. He is a son of John R. and Martha (Scott) Smith

John R. Smith lived for a number of years in Shelby county, Illinois, whence he moved to Labette county, in 1870. He took up a claim which adjoins the northern part of the city of Mound Valley. This he improved, and cultivated until his death, which occurred in 1876. His wife died six months before him. They reared six children, namely: Reuben W., the subject of this sketch; G. B., who is a railroad mail at Salida, Colorado; Margaret (McCarty), of Wellington, Kansas, whose husband is an employee of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Company; John D., who is a bridge man on that road, at Guthrie, Oklahoma; Lizzie (Clark), who lives in Iowa; and Mary (Reeves), of Cherryvale, Kansas. The three first named were born in Illinois, and the others in Labette county, Kansas.

Reuben W. Smith was ten years old when his parents moved to Labette county, Kansas. He has lived here ever since that time, with the exception of two years, - from 1880 to 1882, - which he spent as a miner in Colorado. In 1890, he bought his present home farm of 160 acres, which was owned by John Rogers, who had improved it considerably. Mr. Smith has added a good orchard, and has made many minor improvements. He carries on general farming, and stock raising. He favors Durham cattle, and recently bought some thoroughbreds at a sale in Kansas City. His intention is to raise high-grade stock. Mr. Smith is a man of good business principles, and has a thorough knowledge of agricultural affairs. He is a good neighbor, and always willing to lend assistance to any one in need.

Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Alice Stotts, a daughter of J. O. Stotts. They have six children, namely: Herbert R.; Maggie; James 0.; Georgia; Mabel; and Roy W. Mr. Smith is a member of the People's party. He has served as township treasurer, and has also been on the school board of Globe District, No. 65. Fraternally, he is a member of the M. W. of A. lodge, of Mound Valley. Religiously, he is liberal in his views, while his wife is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Smith is well known in Labette county.