Decendants of Wayne Pioneer John Smith Celebrate July 4th

Descendants Of Wayne Pioneer John Smith Celebrate Fourth

By Dr. Ann Smith

Descendants of the John Smith family, who were early pioneers in Wayne, gathered on July 4, 2013 at the Newton Smith homestead to celebrate 101 years of 4th of July family picnics. The Smiths are related to several pioneers of DuPage County, including Solomon Dunham who arrived by wagon train with the Edmond Bartlett family in 1835, John Smith who came in 1837 (the family home still stands on Smith Road) and Daniel Stearns who arrived in 1840.

Six of the Smith ancestors immigrated to America in the 1600’s, including William Bradford who arrived on the Mayflower. The family has always been patriotic, and several members have served our country in the military. Among them are Asa Smith, who fought in the Revolutionary War, and Albert and George Smith (sons of John Smith) who served in the Civil War. Stanley Smith was one of the first from Wayne to serve in World War II.

The picnic, though first held in the woods owned by Newton Smith (son of John Smith) east of 59 and then at different family homes, has been held since the late 1970’s at the Newton Smith Homestead on Army Trail Road. In 1878 Newton built the home west of 59 on Wayne Road (now named Army Trail Road). In 1879 his son Lisle was born there and eventually took over the farm. Stanley Smith, son of Lisle, purchased the farm from his parents in 1946. In 1983, Stanley’s daughter Julie and her husband Dave Antioho purchased the home.

Through the years, as the families grew, the Player family joined the picnic when Gladys Player married Clayton Smith (brother of Lisle) in the mid 1920’s and have loyally attended ever since. Their daughter Dorothy, 87, attended the 2013 picnic. Donald Smith, 90, youngest brother of Stanley, was honored as the oldest family member attending the picnic this year.

For 101 years, the family has traveled back to Wayne to share in the picnic where good food (especially strawberry-rhubarb pie), an intergenerational baseball game¸ and the renewal of family stories and friendships take place. In this way the Smiths and Players have celebrated the spirit of independence, opportunity, and achievement that brought their ancestors to this region over 175 years ago.

Dr. Ann Smith Lund, daughter of Stanley and Ada Smith, grew up on the Smith farm. She attended Wayne School, Ellis Jr. High, and Elgin High School. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Northeastern Illinois University, Master’s degree from DePaul University, and her Doctorate from Northern Illinois University. In the mid 1960’s she assisted her mother at The Farmer in the Dell Nursery School held at the farm. She was an educator for 38 years, retiring as principal at Wilson School in Janesville, WI. She now resides with her husband, Jim, in Naples, Florida. She, with help from family members, is the family historian.