John W. Smith, a native of the Buckeye State, was born near Cincinnati, November 29, 1851. He is a son of William and Elizabeth (Lawrence) Smith, and one of a family of seven children. When he was two years of age his parents removed to Jasper County, Iowa, where he passed his early life. He was trained in agricultural pursuits, and received a limited education in the common schools, but is qualified to transact any business that may devolve upon him. Mr. Smith was united in marriage, October 21, 1874, to Miss Esther Wollard, daughter of James and Amanda Wollard. She was born in Delaware County, Ohio, September 17, 1856, and was eight years old when her parents came to Iowa and settled in Jasper County on a farm, where they still reside. After his marriage Mr. smith continued farming, and in 1878 he came to Shelby County and settled on a farm of eighty acres of partially improved land. Here he built a small frame house, which he has since replaced by a fine, large residence. He has erected buildings for stock and grain, and planted a grove of one acre. His farm is situated in section 2, Jefferson Township, and is a credit to the surrounding country, as everything looks thrifty and prosperous. Mr. Smith is occupied exclusively with agriculture and stock-raising, and stands in the front ranks of Shelby County's well-to-do citizens. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have four children - Frederick, Riley (deceased), Oliver and William. They are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.