Democratic Sentinel, Volume 11, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 May 1887 — LIVED NEARLY 102 YEARS. [ARTICLE]

LIVED NEARLY 102 YEARS.

He Voted for Madison and Cleveland, and Never Bode on a Railroad Train. [Freeport (Ill.) telegram,] The oldest man in Stephenson County, if not in Illinois, has just died at his home, about seventeen miles northwest of Freeport. Had he lived until July 29, Mr. Smith would have been 102 years old. He was born in Guilford County, North Carolina. In 1815 he moved to Highland County, Ohio, and from there came to this county in 1846, and has resided here ever since. When about 20 years old 1 e Was married to Dorcas MeDaniel in his native county. She bore him twelve children, all of whom but one grew to manhood and womanhood. Two years ago his hundredth birthday anniversary was celebrated wish great pomp, there being present perhaps 2,000 people. When in his younger days he enjoyed fishing and hunting exceedingly, but when it came time for him to get down to business he learned the blacksmithing trade, which he followed for some time. The greater part of his life was devoted to farming. With the exception of chewing tobuoco, Mr. Smith was a most temperate mtm all his life. He never joined any churtsh, but had always been an attentive and careful reader of the Bible, and about six years ago was baptized. He cast his Presidential vote for James Madison, and his last for Grover Cleveland, and had always been a Democrat. He never rode on a railroad train and never ate a meal m a hotel.