SMITH, Dr. J. J. (John Jackman) - 1939 Biography

SMITH, LEWIS, CLARK, BLACKHAWK, WAPELLO

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 4/5/2006 at 20:38:11

"Fairfield Ledger", Oct. 2, 1939, Sec. I, Pg. 4, Col. 4

DR. J. J. SMITH WAS COLORFUL FIGURE IN EARLY COUNTY HISTORY.... Born in Virginia in 1780, he was the son of a slave-holder, and inherited 200 slaves, to whom he gave their freedom because he did not believe in slavery. In 1803 he was engaged to go with LEWIS and CLARK on the exploring expedition. Severe illness compelled him to give up this journey -- a lifelong regret.

Came to Liberty township, Jefferson County, in 1837. He was not a graduate in medicine. He had a lancet (now owned by his great-great-grandson) and a "mad stone", and his services were in demand for miles in all directions from his home. He was the first settler in Liberty township. Dr. SMITH was a wealthy man for his day, and it is thought he made no charge for his services. He made his money in Ohio, and brought it to this county, all in gold, in an old cowhide trunk. He purchased 5000 acres of land in Jefferson County for $1.25 an acre.

Dr. SMITH was a portly man, weighing 300 pounds. He was a Justice of the Peace for twenty years. He was a friend of Chief BLACKHAWK and Chief WAPELLO. A crossing of Cedar Creek, now bridged, is still called "Smith's Ford". Dr. SMITH was elected a County Commissioner and helped lay out Fairfield in 1839. He died in 1873 at the age of ninety-three years, and is buried at Libertyville.

(See also "A FAIRFIELD", by Susan Fulton Welty.)

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s).