James Smith James Smith, one of the pioneers and prominent citizens of Mississippi County, was born on April 2, 1808, in Hardin County, Ky., and is a son of Washington and Hannah (McWilliams) Smith, both natives of Virginia. The Smith family came from England, and made a settlement in Virginia. The grandfather, James Smith, was a farmer and immigrated to Kentucky. He died in Hardin County, that State. The maternal grandparents came from Scotland, and also settled in Virginia. Washington Smith and his wife both died in Hardin County. They had five children, three of whom are living: James, David and George. Two daughters are deceased. James was reared on the farm in Kentucky, remaining with his parents until 1836, when he immigrated to Mississippi County, coming down the Ohio River in a flat-boat, on which he brought his stock, wagons, etc. Landing at Norfolk, December 28, 1836, he went to Mathews' Prairie, where he entered 240 acres of land, upon which he erected a hewed log cabin with a wood and mud chimney, and a clapboard roof. In which he lived for several years, until he could make better improvements. He has been a resident of this section of fifty-one years, and has witnessed it's development from a wild wilderness to its present wealthy state. He has been a resident of Charleston since 1883. Farming has been his life vocation, and he now owns 540 acres of land, but he has been retired, since moving to Charleston. Although in his eightieth year, he is bright and active, and possesses a wonderful memory. In 1832 he married Elizabeth Swank, a native of Kentucky, by whom he had six children, three living: Silas S., James W. and Elizabeth A. (Mrs. Dr. Bridwell). His wife died in 1845, and he was united in marriage in 1849 with Elizabeth A. Moore, a native of Scott County. Mr. Smith has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South since 1833. http://www.rootsweb.com/~momissis/goodspeed/mcs.htm