James L. Smith is found in Patoka, Gibson County in the 1900 Federal Census; and in Barton in the 1910 census.

His wife, Flora, died on 31 May 1897 and is buried in Sheets Cemetery, Boone County.

James then married widow, Mary Joanna (Wilson) Rice, daughter of Peter & Sarah Ann (Kirkpatrick) Wilson on 15 Aug 1899 in Gibson Co. (Mary Joanna Wilson, married first to Miles Rice, 12 Apr 1877 in Gibson Co.)

I'm trying to find an obit, or SOME record of James L. Smith's death.  There seems to be one other James L. in the area, but I am positive that the James L. who is the son of the Rev War Soldier, ELIJAH SMITH, b. 1755 in New Jersey IS the correct one.

He wrote a letter to the officials in Washington asking for a 'complete' count of descendants of Rev War Soldiers for the 1904 "Louisiana Exposition" which was to take place in St. Louis in 1904. He names his siblings, William A. and Mary Jane (Smith) Kimery as well, and that is the correct family. The last two named are living in Neoga, Illinois (1903.)

His letterhead said: J. L. Smith & Co.  "J. L. Smith's Improved Portable Seat" (manufactured by Dougherty & Co. Princeton, Indiana.  Agents wanted! He was at 810 East State St. It looks like he had partners, Hunt and Cooley.  His 'seat' was patented 13 May 1902.  There's a picture of the seat attached to the Patent , as well.

He had seven known children from his first wife: His eldest son, William J. married an Annie E Hartman, 28 Oct 1883 in Boone County, IN. She died in Gibson County 10 Jun 1913 and is buried in Sheets Cemetery (Boone County, IN) so there may be children from that union. Another son, Jesse O, that I know nothing about; a daughter, Rosella, likewise; son Everett E., whose name is on his mother's tombstone; a son Israel; a son Hartis A. and a son Henry E. Smith.

I'd appreciate any help along this line.  

Jinny Myler Collins

245 SE Soft Trail Dr.

Bend, OR 97702

jinnylee@earthlink.net