Smith - Floyd L.
Souce: Montgomery County History. (Indianapolis: AW Bowen) p 727.
None of the young
farmers of Montgomery County are deserving of more praise than Floyd L. Smith
of Union Township for a look over the finely improved and well kept farm of his
mother's which he manages would indicate even to the casual observer that he is
a man who does not believe in letting the "grass grow under his
feet." He is always busy no matter what the season or whether his
neighbors are doing anything or not. He has his work all planned ahead and when
the weather will not permit out-of-door work he finds plenty to keep him busy
about his substantial group of buildings. But industry does not always insure
success. There must be something else. Many people may work just as hard and
persistently as Mr. Smith and not accomplish half so much. There must be the
exercise of good judgment and earnestness and honesty of purpose. Mr. Smith was
born in the township and county where he still resides August 6, 1879 and here
he has been content to spend his life. He is a son of William A. and Mary E
GILLILAND Smith. The father was born Feb 14, 1841 in Kentucky from which state
he came to Montgomery County when 8 years old. Here he grew to manhood,
received a common school education and spent the rest of his life. When a young
man he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a period of 25
years, becoming one of the best known and most skillful workers in the county,
and his services were in great demand. Finally, he turned his attention to
agricultural pursuits, spending the latter part of his life on the farm, where
the subject now resides. Here his death occurred on Jan 10, 1912. His wife,
Mary E. Gilliland was born in Montgomery County, Indiana Feb 21, 1849. Here she
grew to womanhood and received her education. She is still living, making her
home with the subject of the home place. Three children were born to William A.
Smith and wife: Fanny born in 1870, married Dr. RAMSEY of Crawfordsville;
William A. who married Anna LANE and Floyd L., of this sketch. Floyd L. Smith
received a good common school education and spent two years in high school. On
August 30,1905 he married Clara H. MYERS, who was born in this county and is a
daughter of Daniel and Catherine YENAWINE Myers. Mr. Myers was born Sept 25,
1841 and his wife in 1849. They are still living. Mrs. Smith grew to womanhood
at Ladoga and there received a common and high school education. Two children
have been born to the subject and wife: Raymond Myers Smith, born Aug 6, 1906
is in school and John William born August 3, 1912. Mr. Smith began farming after
leaving school and he has continued this vocation. The home place, which he
operates successfully and which consists of 160 acres belongs to his mother. It
is well improved and well cultivated and a good grade of livestock is kept at
all seasons. All the land is tillable. Politically, Mr. Smith is Democrat. He
belongs to the K of P at Mace and attends the Christian Church of which his
mother and wife are members and of which his father was also a member.