US Congressman. His family moved to Palmyra, Michigan in 1857 and Smith lived on a farm while attending the local schools. He worked on farms and in factories throughout Lenawee County to pay his college tuition, and graduated from Adrian College in 1878. He then taught school while studying law, attained admission to the bar in 1880, and began a practice in Adrian. Active in Republican politics from the time he attended college, Smith served as Adrian's City Attorney and Lenawee County's Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. Smith also served as a Trustee of Adrian College and was a Delegate to the 1896 Republican national convention. With a reputation as an accomplished orator, Smith often delivered speeches at college commencements and other ceremonies, and was frequently called upon to nominate candidates at state and local Republican conventions. In 1898 he was elected to the US House of Representatives and served two terms, 1899 to 1903. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1902 and returned to his law practice in Adrian.
US Congressman. His family moved to Palmyra, Michigan in 1857 and Smith lived on a farm while attending the local schools. He worked on farms and in factories throughout Lenawee County to pay his college tuition, and graduated from Adrian College in 1878. He then taught school while studying law, attained admission to the bar in 1880, and began a practice in Adrian. Active in Republican politics from the time he attended college, Smith served as Adrian's City Attorney and Lenawee County's Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. Smith also served as a Trustee of Adrian College and was a Delegate to the 1896 Republican national convention. With a reputation as an accomplished orator, Smith often delivered speeches at college commencements and other ceremonies, and was frequently called upon to nominate candidates at state and local Republican conventions. In 1898 he was elected to the US House of Representatives and served two terms, 1899 to 1903. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1902 and returned to his law practice in Adrian.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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