Goodspeed's History of the county contains many interesting stories of pioneer personalities .Among the most unusual is A. J. Smith , known as "the great Arkansas bear hunter " settled near the Bradshaw's and married into their family. He subsequently located and cleared up a farm a few miles east of the present town of Paragould , where he lived until his character in all of Northeast Arkansas , possessing many of the traits of the famous Col . Davy Crockett . He was a veritable backwoodsman , not accustomed to the finer comforts of advanced civilization . he owned slaves , raised large numbers of cattle undoubtedly killed more wild animals than any other man in the state . He usually went bareheaded and bare footed with his collar opened and and sleeves rolled up and nearly always carried with him his rifle , shot pouch and large hunting knife . Upon his appearance in this plight he was much feared especially by those not acquainted with him. He was however kind and brave, generous , and had but few enemies, being a firm friend to those he respected , but a dangerous man in a quarrel.

On one occasion after having sold a herd of cattle to Gov. "Jack Drew" he went equipped as usual to the governor's residence to collect his pay. The governor happened to be absent . He was met at the door by Mrs. Drew , who though much frightened invited him to step in and take a seat by the fire . He looked down and said he did not like "to step on that quilt" . the carpet being loose he took it by the edge , folded it over and then sprang across and took a chair near the fire . Mrs. Drew felt convinced that her unwelcome guest was a horse thief , and thereupon had his horse put into the stable and locked, knowing that her husband would return soon. On seeing the latter she went out to meet him , and related the appearance of the mysterious stranger, whereupon , the governor with a hearty laugh replied "O ! that is Jack Smith ,it's just like him.

Angeline , his wife was an excellent shot with the rifle and often accompanied him on his hunting excursions .Once while returning home upon a trail , desiring to "prowl around a little longer ", requested his companion not to wait for him. Accordingly she rode on, but had not gone far until the dogs - remaining with Jack - chased up a huge bear , pursuing it so closely that it stopped and turned its back against the roots of a fallen tree and began to cuff the dogs right and left. Jack ran to their assistance , whereupon the bear, having cowed the dogs, sprang forward and rushed upon him. Jack in retreating stumbled and fell . Just at the critical moment , Angeline , who had heard the confusion , wheeled her steed about took deliberate aim and shot and killed the monster beast, thus saving her husband 's life . Ever thereafter upon relating this incident, he never failed to declare that Angeline was the best woman ever created.

The great hunter generally wore "buckskin breeches." He was of a humorous disposition , and on one occasion was visited by a party of well dressed gentleman from Memphis , who upon seeing a large  quanity of peltry he had on hand , asked how he came to be so successful in hunting . His reply was that formerly , when dressed in his buckskin trousers and other outfit , the animals especially the deer, had become so well acquainted with him that they knew him by sight , and were always on the outlook for him for him , in consequence of which he could not get near enough to shoot them. It then occurred to him , that he must change his garb , and thus deceive the animals . So now , he said that upon approaching a herd of deer , the sentinel buck seeing him would inform the rest that there was no danger. That it was only some finely dressed gentleman from Memphis , who was harmless. In this way he claimed to delude the deer, succeeding in killing a great many. the numerous eccentricities, bear and deed hunts and the like of this famous hunter, if compiled would make an interesting book on frontier life.