Historian, John Knarr, from the Town of North Manchester gave a presentation on the Smith -Robertson Families to the North Manchester Historical Society on 11 February 2008.    Frances Smith graduated from Manchester College in 1923 and therefore John used our college records as part of his research project.  Frances' family of origin was quite interesting in that her mother's father (Felix H. Robertson)  and her mother's grandfather (J. B. Robertson), served as Generals in the Civil War.  They were from Texas.  Felix was to have been the youngest General in the Civil War.  He and his father  were one of two father-son Generals in the Civil War, Robert E. Lee and his son being the other.  Felix died in 1928.  He was the last Confederate General.  Frances' mother, Sara Smith, lived in the house on the corner of Third and Market Streets, North Manchester.  Sara wrote a column for the Wabash newspaper in the 1920's and 1930's about life in North Manchester.  She rented rooms in her home for income.  Sara also organized and DAR and CAR and held regular meetings in her house. 

The 1923 Aurora describes Frances, p. 43.:

An industrious student and "rapid-fire" talker, but she says something every time.  Very earnest in her pursuit of knowledge and culture.  A future writer, sure to bring glory to herself and friends.

Description prepared 14 February by Jeanine M. Wine and last updated 14 February 2008 by Jeanine M. Wine.