Source: Past and Present of Bureau County, Illinois
Originally published 1906, Chicago, IL

Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin
Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

Page 841-42

Lisle Prentice Smith, one of Bureau county's native sons, now farming in Manlius township, was born in Princeton, September 3, 1855, and is a son of Osmyn and Laura (Robinson) Smith, of Princeton. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and came with his parents from the east to Bureau county in 1836, the family casting in their lot with the pioneer residents of this part of the state who sided in reclaiming  the district for the uses of the white race, for until a short time before it had still been under the domain of the red man. The grandfather of our subject served as sheriff of Bureau county in an early day and Osmyn Smith afterward filled the same position while still in early manhood. He was at one time supervisor of Manlius township. His life was largely devoted to general agricultural pursuits and thus he provided for his family. He died in 1896, at the age of sixty-nine years, while his wife passed away in 1892, at the age of sixty-five years.

Lisle P. Smith, whose name introduces this review, was reared in his native county and the common schools of Manlius township provided him his educational privileges, which he improved and thus was well prepared for life's practical and responsible duties. He early became familiar with farm work in its various departments and remained with his father until twenty-two years of age, when he started out in life for himself. When he was twnety-four years of age he bought one hundred acres of his present place, to which he has added until he now has two hundred and twenty-three acres, constituting a valuable and well improved farm. He raises Aberdeen Angus cattle and Shetland ponies.

On the 29th of January, 1879, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Delphi J. Miller, a daughter of David A. Miller, of Manlius township. They have six children: Laura M., a graduate of the Princeton high school and now at home; Lisle Prentice, who is an auctioneer and makes his home with his parents; Earl B., an engineer; Vivian Rivers, Orpha Delphine and David Osmyn, all at home.

Mr. Smith has served his district as school director for the past twenty-three years and believes in employing competent teachers and in upholding a high standard of public instruction. He has also been road commissioner for the past three years. While he has lived the quiet life of a farmer he has found in it ample opportunity for the acquirement of success and, carefully directing his business interes, he has worked his way steadily upward and is now one of the men of affluence in Manlius township, owning an excellent farm property.