John I. Smith was born December 21, 1900 in Tyro, Arkansas. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1923 with a bachelor of science degree in agriculture and earned his master's degree in agriculture from the University of Wisconsin in 1927. He joined the Federal Land Bank in 1933 and in 1950 he became associated with the First National Bank of Fayetteville as vice president for farm and real-estate loans. He worked for the bank until his retirement in 1965. Smith wrote several books about history, finance, and agriculture. Some of his more notable works are Forward from rebellion: reconstruction and revolution in Arkansas, 1868-1874 and The courage of a Southern Unionist: a biography of Isaac Murphy, governor of Arkansas 1864-1868. He also wrote True stories of needed justice, a biography of his brother. Smith wrote articles for the Arkansas Gazette and for thirty years filled a weekly column in the Northwest Arkansas Times with his insights about area agriculture. Smith was chairman of the Washington County Fair Board, a member of the Fayetteville Lions Club for many years, and also served on the Washington County 4-H Foundation. He was instrumental in establishing the Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District. John I. Smith died December 26, 1994.
From the description of John I. Smith papers : literary manuscripts, research papers, clippings, correspondence, and other papers ca. 1876-1990. (University of Arkansas - Fayetteville). WorldCat record id: 34972514
