Source: Past and Present of Bureau County, Illinois
Originally published 1906, Chicago, IL

Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin
Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

Pages 765-66

John M. Smith, having extensive business interests in Kasbeer, besides owning and supervising a farm of one hundred and fifty-five acres in Ohio township, is a native of Bureau county, Illinois, having been born in Ohio township, December 20, 1857, a son of Daniel P. and Rachel (Matson) Smith, the former a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of Harrison county, Ohio. The father came to Bureau county in the year 1831, settling on a farm near Princeton. The mother arrived in 1846, and in this county they were married. In their family were thirteen children, of whom nine have passed away, while the survivingmembers, with our subject, are all residents of Ohio township, Bureau county.

John M. Smith was reared and educated in Bureau county, receiving the advantages afforded by the common schools. After leaving school Mr. Smith was employed at farm labor for many years, or until 1895, when he entered into partnership with his father and brother, conducting a general mercantile business at Kasbeer under the firm style of Smith Brothers & Company, one of the leading enterprises of the village. They carry on a general mercantile business, having by fair dealing and good business ability built up a large and increasing trade. Besides his interest in this business Mr. Smith is also doing a general banking business which amounts to about fifty thousand dollars annually. He also handles coal, lumber, cement, etc. and in this venture is very successful, having builtup a lucrative trade. He also owns a fine farm of one hundred and fifty-five acres in Ohio township, to which he gives his supervision, although he does not carry on the active work of the fields. Here he has a finely improved place, on which are found all modern improvements, including a fine home, supplied  with every conveience for the comfort of the family , and on this place he and his family reside, although his business interests are in the village of Kasbeer.

On the 24th of January, 1878, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Harriet A. Vickrey, a native of Bureau county, born in Ohio township, October 18, 1858. Her parents are William and Eliza (Adams) Vickrey, natives of Ohio. They came westward to Illinois in 1846, settling in Bureau county, and here Mrs. Smith was born, reared and educated. In their family were eleven children, of whom four are deceased, while Mrs. Smith was the fifth in order of birth.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born a daughter and son: Cora E., born September 8, 1878; and Charles A., born June 11, 1884.

Mr. Smith gives his support to the men and measures of the republican party, and is interested in local political affairs, having served as township assessor for four years, as road commissioner for four years, while for eighteen years he was school director, and in all these positions he was loyal to the interes of the general public. He is liberal in his religious views and is not identified with any church organization.

Mr. Smith had financial assistance from from his father to the amount of four thousand dollars, and by excellent business judgment, industry and integrity he has increased the scope of his interests until, through his various business enterprises, he has accumulated a competence which classes him among the substantial residents of Kasbeer and Bureau county. He is active in every movement which tends to advance the welfare of his town or county, is interested in educational progress and expects to give to his children every possible advantage in this direction. He is a great lover of music, is fond of his home and family and does  everything in his power for their comfort and happiness. He is leading a very busy life, conducting extensive businesss interests which add to the substantial development of his town, for the firm of Smith Brothers & Company carry a well selected stock of general merchandise, which meets the demands of the general public, being one of the best enterprises of the kind in Bureau county.  He makes his home on his farm, where, after the day's cares are lai aside, he can enjoy the rest and quiet of a rural existence, for here he has every comfort which goes to make life worth living. Mr. Smith, has a wide business acquaintance, not only in Kasbeer, but throughout Bureau county, for his extensive interests bring him in contact with a large number of people. He and his wife are prominent socially, the hospitality of the best homes of the county being extended to them, while in their own home their many friends are always received with a hearty welcome.