Christopher Smart

    Christopher Smart, farmer, Monroe Township, was born in Otsego County, New York, February 18, 1824. His parents were Abraham and Elizabeth (Abby) Smart, who were natives of England.

    His father was a farmer and emigrated to America in June, 1819. He remained in New York State until 1834, when he came to Indiana, and settled in Lancaster Township, Jefferson County, now Monroe Township, where he and his wife both died (see sketch of Mrs. Matilda Willoughby).

    Christopher Smart came to Jefferson County three years later, and is still living on the old homestead. He was educated in the schools of his day; his principal instructors were a Welshman, by the name of David Jones  and an Irishman by the name of Craig (see his sketch).

    In 1850, on the 6th day of October, he was married to Miss Maria L. McGee, daughter of William and Margaret A. (Large) McGee. Her father came to Madison from Ohio in 1823, formerly from Virginia, and was of Irish descent.

    The children of their marriage are: Pirene, married to G. A. Valilie, living in Carroll County, Kentucky; William A., died aged 17 years and 6 months; Arabella, at home; Christopher W., killed by the fall of a tree in Obion County, Tennessee; Thomas I., at home; Georgiana, a teacher of Jefferson County; James M., teacher of Jefferson County; and Riley L.

    Mr. Christopher Smart taught school four terms, the first three in a log school house with split logs for seats, and one term in a stone school house; his salary was 75 cents and $1.00 per day. His own school day advantages were meager.

    During the dark days of the late civil war he was township trustee for two years, and has held the post-office at Big Creek ever since it has been established.

Source: Biographical and Historical Souvenir for the counties of Clark, Crawford, Harrison, Floyd, Jefferson, Jennings, Scott and Washington, Indiana. By John M. Gresham & Co., 1889.