Son of Jacob D. and Barbara J. (Lewis) Smith. Husband of Rose A. Smith.
Death Claims Hon. Jacob D. Smith -- Practiced Law Here For Over 40 Years -- Funeral Rites For Prominent Citizen Held At Trinity Methodist Church Monday At 2:00 P.M. -- In the passing of Hon. Jacob D. Smith, 74-years-old, at St. Mary's Hospital in Huntington Saturday morning at 6 o'clock, Lincoln county sustained the loss of one of her most highly honored and distinguished aged citizens. Mr. Smith had been in failing health for several months, and two weeks ago, when his condition became more serious, he was removed to St. Mary's hospital where it was found necessary for him to undergo a major operation. The operation was seemingly successful and he rallied very nicely. For several days there seemed to be a chance of recovery despite his age, but later his condition gradually grew worse until death relieved him of his suffering. Mr. Smith's death is a great loss to his family, neighbors and friends. Born in Scott Town, Ohio, he came to Lincoln county at the age of 12 with his mother, his father having died a few months before his birth. At the age of 16 he began teaching in the public schools, which profession he followed very successfuly for 18 years, all of which time he spent his spare moments in preparing himself for the practice of law. He received his degree in law from West Virginia University in 1900, and soon thereafter began the practice of law in this city, which he followed with great success until his late illness. He was a member of the Trinity Methodist church of Hamlin, the Order of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons No. 79, Hamlin IOOF Lodge, and was a 14th degree Mason. He served as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney from 1909 to 1913, and was elected Prosecuting Attorney on the Republican ticket in 1921, serving until 1925. In 1929 he was elected as State Senator from the Fifth District, and was interested in the oil and gas development in Lincoln county. Funeral services were held at 2 P.M. Monday in the Trinity Methodist church in this city with Rev. W.A. Debar officiating. Burial was in Lincoln Memorial Park with the Masons in charge of the services at the grave. Honorary pallbearers were Judge John W. Hereford, Judge W.T. Lovins, Judge Naaman Jackson, Judge Warth, Atty Ira P. Hager, W.W. Carroll, Dr. Geo. W. Walden, Dr. H.D. Hatfield, and the Messrs. Carl A. McComas, C.A. Thomas, W.T. Black, Creed Wysong, Floyd Wysong, A.F. Morris, A.F. Black, H.H. Baker, J.O. Midkiff, AAA. Lilly, Edmond A. Marshall, C.T. Jimison, W. Click, Albert Adkins, W.S. Hallanan, W.C. Kingery, C.E. Smith, P.B.Steffey, E.J. Elkins, Harvey Smith, Homer Nida, Creed Martin, F.B. Adkins and Wm. Walden. Members of the Eastern Star were flower girls. Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Rose A. Smith, three daughters, Mrs. O.C. Campbell of Hamlin, Mrs. Guy O. Farmer of Arlington, Va., and Miss Virginia M. Smith, principal of Hamlin high school; two sons, Houston A. Smith, Prosecuting Attorney of Lincoln county, and Sgt. J.D. Smith of Fort Riley, Kans.; two sisters, Mrs. Nettie Vickers and Mrs. Allie Vickers, both of Huntington, two brothers, Edward Smith of Sweetland and Lewis Smith of Hamlin, and one grandson, Guy O. Farmer, Jr., of Arlington, Va.
Source: Clipping from "Lincoln Republican" Hamlin, WV
Suggested edit: History of WV, Old and New (1923), Vol. 2, p. 564:
[Jacob David Smith, prosecuting attorney of Lincoln County, is one of the ablest lawyers practicing at the bar of Hamlin, and a man whose fearlessness and resourceful ness have won him prestige and resulted in the conviction d a number of criminals and the enforcement of law and order in a marked degree. He was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, April 28, 1870, a son of Jacob and Barbara Jane (Lenis) Smith, natives of Ohio and Virginia, respectively. The ancestors of Mr. Smith are traced back in the annals of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia, and a distinguished member on his mother's side was the historian Lewis. Jacob Smith was a farmer, an earnest Christian and active in the work of the Baptist Church.
Prosecutor Smith's educational training was commenced in the common schools of Ohio and West Virginia, and continued later on in the summer normal school held at Hamlin, where he fitted himself for teaching. For eighteen years he was an educator, during which period he studied law. He completed his legal studies in the State University at Morgantown in 1900, and passed his examinations before the state board and was licensed to practice law. In addition to teaching and studying law he also served as deputy county clerk of Lincoln County during the year 1905, and he had full charge of the office. In 1908 he was appointed assistant prosecuting attorney, serving as such until 1912. In the fall of that year he was the candidate for prosecuting attorney, but was defeated, and entered upon a general practice of his profession. In 1920 he was again candidate, and was elected prosecuting attorney by a very large majority. From 1915 to 1919 he was a clerk in the State Legislature, attending every session, and had the honor of being the clerk in charge of the enrollment of every bill passed, and took them to the governor for his signature.
On December 25, 1904, Mr. Smith married at East Bank, Kanawha County, West Virginia, Miss Rose Alexander, a teacher in the school of that county, and a daughter of Houston and Sarah (Mitchell) Alexander, natives of West Virginia and Ohio, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Smith became the parents of the following children: Virginia May, Houston A., Rose Marie and Jacob David, Jr. Mr. Smith is a sincere member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Scottish-Rite Mason, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America.
Lincoln County has the reputation of being the cleanest county in West Virginia, and this admirable state of affairs has been brought about by the aggressiveness and fearlessness of Mr. Smith and the sheriff, Dan Vias, both of whom are recognized to be the best men in their several offices this region has ever had. Mr. Smith is one of the most conscientious of men in his profession, and stand very high with the public generally, and particularly with the best element. He is unwavering in his determination to make all respect the law and live up to the requirement of decent people.]
Journal of the Senate of the State of West Virginia (1917), p. 96 (January 25):
[clerk on the part of the Senate to the joint committee on passed and enrolled bills, J. D. Smith]
Manual of the State of West Virginia (1907-08), p. 179:
[Chancery Commissioners...Jacob D. Smith, Republican; Hamlin...]
[Divorce Commissioners...Jacob D. Smith, (Politics and address heretofore given.)]
[Republican Executive Committee-John S. Pridemore, Chairman; Jacob D. Smith, Secretary, A. W. Hoff, Treasurer, Hamlin.]
[ON EDUCATION. Messrs. Hill, Chairman; Johnson, Ashburn, McKown, Talbot, Gartlan, Hicks, Fisher, Campbell.-Jacob D. Smith, Clerk.]
WVU Catalogue (1899-1900), p. 221:
[Special Law Students
Smith, Jacob David...Hamlin.]
Death Claims Hon. Jacob D. Smith -- Practiced Law Here For Over 40 Years -- Funeral Rites For Prominent Citizen Held At Trinity Methodist Church Monday At 2:00 P.M. -- In the passing of Hon. Jacob D. Smith, 74-years-old, at St. Mary's Hospital in Huntington Saturday morning at 6 o'clock, Lincoln county sustained the loss of one of her most highly honored and distinguished aged citizens. Mr. Smith had been in failing health for several months, and two weeks ago, when his condition became more serious, he was removed to St. Mary's hospital where it was found necessary for him to undergo a major operation. The operation was seemingly successful and he rallied very nicely. For several days there seemed to be a chance of recovery despite his age, but later his condition gradually grew worse until death relieved him of his suffering. Mr. Smith's death is a great loss to his family, neighbors and friends. Born in Scott Town, Ohio, he came to Lincoln county at the age of 12 with his mother, his father having died a few months before his birth. At the age of 16 he began teaching in the public schools, which profession he followed very successfuly for 18 years, all of which time he spent his spare moments in preparing himself for the practice of law. He received his degree in law from West Virginia University in 1900, and soon thereafter began the practice of law in this city, which he followed with great success until his late illness. He was a member of the Trinity Methodist church of Hamlin, the Order of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons No. 79, Hamlin IOOF Lodge, and was a 14th degree Mason. He served as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney from 1909 to 1913, and was elected Prosecuting Attorney on the Republican ticket in 1921, serving until 1925. In 1929 he was elected as State Senator from the Fifth District, and was interested in the oil and gas development in Lincoln county. Funeral services were held at 2 P.M. Monday in the Trinity Methodist church in this city with Rev. W.A. Debar officiating. Burial was in Lincoln Memorial Park with the Masons in charge of the services at the grave. Honorary pallbearers were Judge John W. Hereford, Judge W.T. Lovins, Judge Naaman Jackson, Judge Warth, Atty Ira P. Hager, W.W. Carroll, Dr. Geo. W. Walden, Dr. H.D. Hatfield, and the Messrs. Carl A. McComas, C.A. Thomas, W.T. Black, Creed Wysong, Floyd Wysong, A.F. Morris, A.F. Black, H.H. Baker, J.O. Midkiff, AAA. Lilly, Edmond A. Marshall, C.T. Jimison, W. Click, Albert Adkins, W.S. Hallanan, W.C. Kingery, C.E. Smith, P.B.Steffey, E.J. Elkins, Harvey Smith, Homer Nida, Creed Martin, F.B. Adkins and Wm. Walden. Members of the Eastern Star were flower girls. Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Rose A. Smith, three daughters, Mrs. O.C. Campbell of Hamlin, Mrs. Guy O. Farmer of Arlington, Va., and Miss Virginia M. Smith, principal of Hamlin high school; two sons, Houston A. Smith, Prosecuting Attorney of Lincoln county, and Sgt. J.D. Smith of Fort Riley, Kans.; two sisters, Mrs. Nettie Vickers and Mrs. Allie Vickers, both of Huntington, two brothers, Edward Smith of Sweetland and Lewis Smith of Hamlin, and one grandson, Guy O. Farmer, Jr., of Arlington, Va.
Source: Clipping from "Lincoln Republican" Hamlin, WV
Suggested edit: History of WV, Old and New (1923), Vol. 2, p. 564:
[Jacob David Smith, prosecuting attorney of Lincoln County, is one of the ablest lawyers practicing at the bar of Hamlin, and a man whose fearlessness and resourceful ness have won him prestige and resulted in the conviction d a number of criminals and the enforcement of law and order in a marked degree. He was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, April 28, 1870, a son of Jacob and Barbara Jane (Lenis) Smith, natives of Ohio and Virginia, respectively. The ancestors of Mr. Smith are traced back in the annals of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia, and a distinguished member on his mother's side was the historian Lewis. Jacob Smith was a farmer, an earnest Christian and active in the work of the Baptist Church.
Prosecutor Smith's educational training was commenced in the common schools of Ohio and West Virginia, and continued later on in the summer normal school held at Hamlin, where he fitted himself for teaching. For eighteen years he was an educator, during which period he studied law. He completed his legal studies in the State University at Morgantown in 1900, and passed his examinations before the state board and was licensed to practice law. In addition to teaching and studying law he also served as deputy county clerk of Lincoln County during the year 1905, and he had full charge of the office. In 1908 he was appointed assistant prosecuting attorney, serving as such until 1912. In the fall of that year he was the candidate for prosecuting attorney, but was defeated, and entered upon a general practice of his profession. In 1920 he was again candidate, and was elected prosecuting attorney by a very large majority. From 1915 to 1919 he was a clerk in the State Legislature, attending every session, and had the honor of being the clerk in charge of the enrollment of every bill passed, and took them to the governor for his signature.
On December 25, 1904, Mr. Smith married at East Bank, Kanawha County, West Virginia, Miss Rose Alexander, a teacher in the school of that county, and a daughter of Houston and Sarah (Mitchell) Alexander, natives of West Virginia and Ohio, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Smith became the parents of the following children: Virginia May, Houston A., Rose Marie and Jacob David, Jr. Mr. Smith is a sincere member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Scottish-Rite Mason, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America.
Lincoln County has the reputation of being the cleanest county in West Virginia, and this admirable state of affairs has been brought about by the aggressiveness and fearlessness of Mr. Smith and the sheriff, Dan Vias, both of whom are recognized to be the best men in their several offices this region has ever had. Mr. Smith is one of the most conscientious of men in his profession, and stand very high with the public generally, and particularly with the best element. He is unwavering in his determination to make all respect the law and live up to the requirement of decent people.]
Journal of the Senate of the State of West Virginia (1917), p. 96 (January 25):
[clerk on the part of the Senate to the joint committee on passed and enrolled bills, J. D. Smith]
Manual of the State of West Virginia (1907-08), p. 179:
[Chancery Commissioners...Jacob D. Smith, Republican; Hamlin...]
[Divorce Commissioners...Jacob D. Smith, (Politics and address heretofore given.)]
[Republican Executive Committee-John S. Pridemore, Chairman; Jacob D. Smith, Secretary, A. W. Hoff, Treasurer, Hamlin.]
[ON EDUCATION. Messrs. Hill, Chairman; Johnson, Ashburn, McKown, Talbot, Gartlan, Hicks, Fisher, Campbell.-Jacob D. Smith, Clerk.]
WVU Catalogue (1899-1900), p. 221:
[Special Law Students
Smith, Jacob David...Hamlin.]
Son of Jacob D. and Barbara J. (Lewis) Smith. Husband of Rose A. Smith.
Death Claims Hon. Jacob D. Smith -- Practiced Law Here For Over 40 Years -- Funeral Rites For Prominent Citizen Held At Trinity Methodist Church Monday At 2:00 P.M. -- In the passing of Hon. Jacob D. Smith, 74-years-old, at St. Mary's Hospital in Huntington Saturday morning at 6 o'clock, Lincoln county sustained the loss of one of her most highly honored and distinguished aged citizens. Mr. Smith had been in failing health for several months, and two weeks ago, when his condition became more serious, he was removed to St. Mary's hospital where it was found necessary for him to undergo a major operation. The operation was seemingly successful and he rallied very nicely. For several days there seemed to be a chance of recovery despite his age, but later his condition gradually grew worse until death relieved him of his suffering. Mr. Smith's death is a great loss to his family, neighbors and friends. Born in Scott Town, Ohio, he came to Lincoln county at the age of 12 with his mother, his father having died a few months before his birth. At the age of 16 he began teaching in the public schools, which profession he followed very successfuly for 18 years, all of which time he spent his spare moments in preparing himself for the practice of law. He received his degree in law from West Virginia University in 1900, and soon thereafter began the practice of law in this city, which he followed with great success until his late illness. He was a member of the Trinity Methodist church of Hamlin, the Order of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons No. 79, Hamlin IOOF Lodge, and was a 14th degree Mason. He served as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney from 1909 to 1913, and was elected Prosecuting Attorney on the Republican ticket in 1921, serving until 1925. In 1929 he was elected as State Senator from the Fifth District, and was interested in the oil and gas development in Lincoln county. Funeral services were held at 2 P.M. Monday in the Trinity Methodist church in this city with Rev. W.A. Debar officiating. Burial was in Lincoln Memorial Park with the Masons in charge of the services at the grave. Honorary pallbearers were Judge John W. Hereford, Judge W.T. Lovins, Judge Naaman Jackson, Judge Warth, Atty Ira P. Hager, W.W. Carroll, Dr. Geo. W. Walden, Dr. H.D. Hatfield, and the Messrs. Carl A. McComas, C.A. Thomas, W.T. Black, Creed Wysong, Floyd Wysong, A.F. Morris, A.F. Black, H.H. Baker, J.O. Midkiff, AAA. Lilly, Edmond A. Marshall, C.T. Jimison, W. Click, Albert Adkins, W.S. Hallanan, W.C. Kingery, C.E. Smith, P.B.Steffey, E.J. Elkins, Harvey Smith, Homer Nida, Creed Martin, F.B. Adkins and Wm. Walden. Members of the Eastern Star were flower girls. Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Rose A. Smith, three daughters, Mrs. O.C. Campbell of Hamlin, Mrs. Guy O. Farmer of Arlington, Va., and Miss Virginia M. Smith, principal of Hamlin high school; two sons, Houston A. Smith, Prosecuting Attorney of Lincoln county, and Sgt. J.D. Smith of Fort Riley, Kans.; two sisters, Mrs. Nettie Vickers and Mrs. Allie Vickers, both of Huntington, two brothers, Edward Smith of Sweetland and Lewis Smith of Hamlin, and one grandson, Guy O. Farmer, Jr., of Arlington, Va.
Source: Clipping from "Lincoln Republican" Hamlin, WV
Suggested edit: History of WV, Old and New (1923), Vol. 2, p. 564:
[Jacob David Smith, prosecuting attorney of Lincoln County, is one of the ablest lawyers practicing at the bar of Hamlin, and a man whose fearlessness and resourceful ness have won him prestige and resulted in the conviction d a number of criminals and the enforcement of law and order in a marked degree. He was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, April 28, 1870, a son of Jacob and Barbara Jane (Lenis) Smith, natives of Ohio and Virginia, respectively. The ancestors of Mr. Smith are traced back in the annals of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia, and a distinguished member on his mother's side was the historian Lewis. Jacob Smith was a farmer, an earnest Christian and active in the work of the Baptist Church.
Prosecutor Smith's educational training was commenced in the common schools of Ohio and West Virginia, and continued later on in the summer normal school held at Hamlin, where he fitted himself for teaching. For eighteen years he was an educator, during which period he studied law. He completed his legal studies in the State University at Morgantown in 1900, and passed his examinations before the state board and was licensed to practice law. In addition to teaching and studying law he also served as deputy county clerk of Lincoln County during the year 1905, and he had full charge of the office. In 1908 he was appointed assistant prosecuting attorney, serving as such until 1912. In the fall of that year he was the candidate for prosecuting attorney, but was defeated, and entered upon a general practice of his profession. In 1920 he was again candidate, and was elected prosecuting attorney by a very large majority. From 1915 to 1919 he was a clerk in the State Legislature, attending every session, and had the honor of being the clerk in charge of the enrollment of every bill passed, and took them to the governor for his signature.
On December 25, 1904, Mr. Smith married at East Bank, Kanawha County, West Virginia, Miss Rose Alexander, a teacher in the school of that county, and a daughter of Houston and Sarah (Mitchell) Alexander, natives of West Virginia and Ohio, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Smith became the parents of the following children: Virginia May, Houston A., Rose Marie and Jacob David, Jr. Mr. Smith is a sincere member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Scottish-Rite Mason, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America.
Lincoln County has the reputation of being the cleanest county in West Virginia, and this admirable state of affairs has been brought about by the aggressiveness and fearlessness of Mr. Smith and the sheriff, Dan Vias, both of whom are recognized to be the best men in their several offices this region has ever had. Mr. Smith is one of the most conscientious of men in his profession, and stand very high with the public generally, and particularly with the best element. He is unwavering in his determination to make all respect the law and live up to the requirement of decent people.]
Journal of the Senate of the State of West Virginia (1917), p. 96 (January 25):
[clerk on the part of the Senate to the joint committee on passed and enrolled bills, J. D. Smith]
Manual of the State of West Virginia (1907-08), p. 179:
[Chancery Commissioners...Jacob D. Smith, Republican; Hamlin...]
[Divorce Commissioners...Jacob D. Smith, (Politics and address heretofore given.)]
[Republican Executive Committee-John S. Pridemore, Chairman; Jacob D. Smith, Secretary, A. W. Hoff, Treasurer, Hamlin.]
[ON EDUCATION. Messrs. Hill, Chairman; Johnson, Ashburn, McKown, Talbot, Gartlan, Hicks, Fisher, Campbell.-Jacob D. Smith, Clerk.]
WVU Catalogue (1899-1900), p. 221:
[Special Law Students
Smith, Jacob David...Hamlin.]
Death Claims Hon. Jacob D. Smith -- Practiced Law Here For Over 40 Years -- Funeral Rites For Prominent Citizen Held At Trinity Methodist Church Monday At 2:00 P.M. -- In the passing of Hon. Jacob D. Smith, 74-years-old, at St. Mary's Hospital in Huntington Saturday morning at 6 o'clock, Lincoln county sustained the loss of one of her most highly honored and distinguished aged citizens. Mr. Smith had been in failing health for several months, and two weeks ago, when his condition became more serious, he was removed to St. Mary's hospital where it was found necessary for him to undergo a major operation. The operation was seemingly successful and he rallied very nicely. For several days there seemed to be a chance of recovery despite his age, but later his condition gradually grew worse until death relieved him of his suffering. Mr. Smith's death is a great loss to his family, neighbors and friends. Born in Scott Town, Ohio, he came to Lincoln county at the age of 12 with his mother, his father having died a few months before his birth. At the age of 16 he began teaching in the public schools, which profession he followed very successfuly for 18 years, all of which time he spent his spare moments in preparing himself for the practice of law. He received his degree in law from West Virginia University in 1900, and soon thereafter began the practice of law in this city, which he followed with great success until his late illness. He was a member of the Trinity Methodist church of Hamlin, the Order of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons No. 79, Hamlin IOOF Lodge, and was a 14th degree Mason. He served as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney from 1909 to 1913, and was elected Prosecuting Attorney on the Republican ticket in 1921, serving until 1925. In 1929 he was elected as State Senator from the Fifth District, and was interested in the oil and gas development in Lincoln county. Funeral services were held at 2 P.M. Monday in the Trinity Methodist church in this city with Rev. W.A. Debar officiating. Burial was in Lincoln Memorial Park with the Masons in charge of the services at the grave. Honorary pallbearers were Judge John W. Hereford, Judge W.T. Lovins, Judge Naaman Jackson, Judge Warth, Atty Ira P. Hager, W.W. Carroll, Dr. Geo. W. Walden, Dr. H.D. Hatfield, and the Messrs. Carl A. McComas, C.A. Thomas, W.T. Black, Creed Wysong, Floyd Wysong, A.F. Morris, A.F. Black, H.H. Baker, J.O. Midkiff, AAA. Lilly, Edmond A. Marshall, C.T. Jimison, W. Click, Albert Adkins, W.S. Hallanan, W.C. Kingery, C.E. Smith, P.B.Steffey, E.J. Elkins, Harvey Smith, Homer Nida, Creed Martin, F.B. Adkins and Wm. Walden. Members of the Eastern Star were flower girls. Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Rose A. Smith, three daughters, Mrs. O.C. Campbell of Hamlin, Mrs. Guy O. Farmer of Arlington, Va., and Miss Virginia M. Smith, principal of Hamlin high school; two sons, Houston A. Smith, Prosecuting Attorney of Lincoln county, and Sgt. J.D. Smith of Fort Riley, Kans.; two sisters, Mrs. Nettie Vickers and Mrs. Allie Vickers, both of Huntington, two brothers, Edward Smith of Sweetland and Lewis Smith of Hamlin, and one grandson, Guy O. Farmer, Jr., of Arlington, Va.
Source: Clipping from "Lincoln Republican" Hamlin, WV
Suggested edit: History of WV, Old and New (1923), Vol. 2, p. 564:
[Jacob David Smith, prosecuting attorney of Lincoln County, is one of the ablest lawyers practicing at the bar of Hamlin, and a man whose fearlessness and resourceful ness have won him prestige and resulted in the conviction d a number of criminals and the enforcement of law and order in a marked degree. He was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, April 28, 1870, a son of Jacob and Barbara Jane (Lenis) Smith, natives of Ohio and Virginia, respectively. The ancestors of Mr. Smith are traced back in the annals of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia, and a distinguished member on his mother's side was the historian Lewis. Jacob Smith was a farmer, an earnest Christian and active in the work of the Baptist Church.
Prosecutor Smith's educational training was commenced in the common schools of Ohio and West Virginia, and continued later on in the summer normal school held at Hamlin, where he fitted himself for teaching. For eighteen years he was an educator, during which period he studied law. He completed his legal studies in the State University at Morgantown in 1900, and passed his examinations before the state board and was licensed to practice law. In addition to teaching and studying law he also served as deputy county clerk of Lincoln County during the year 1905, and he had full charge of the office. In 1908 he was appointed assistant prosecuting attorney, serving as such until 1912. In the fall of that year he was the candidate for prosecuting attorney, but was defeated, and entered upon a general practice of his profession. In 1920 he was again candidate, and was elected prosecuting attorney by a very large majority. From 1915 to 1919 he was a clerk in the State Legislature, attending every session, and had the honor of being the clerk in charge of the enrollment of every bill passed, and took them to the governor for his signature.
On December 25, 1904, Mr. Smith married at East Bank, Kanawha County, West Virginia, Miss Rose Alexander, a teacher in the school of that county, and a daughter of Houston and Sarah (Mitchell) Alexander, natives of West Virginia and Ohio, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Smith became the parents of the following children: Virginia May, Houston A., Rose Marie and Jacob David, Jr. Mr. Smith is a sincere member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Scottish-Rite Mason, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America.
Lincoln County has the reputation of being the cleanest county in West Virginia, and this admirable state of affairs has been brought about by the aggressiveness and fearlessness of Mr. Smith and the sheriff, Dan Vias, both of whom are recognized to be the best men in their several offices this region has ever had. Mr. Smith is one of the most conscientious of men in his profession, and stand very high with the public generally, and particularly with the best element. He is unwavering in his determination to make all respect the law and live up to the requirement of decent people.]
Journal of the Senate of the State of West Virginia (1917), p. 96 (January 25):
[clerk on the part of the Senate to the joint committee on passed and enrolled bills, J. D. Smith]
Manual of the State of West Virginia (1907-08), p. 179:
[Chancery Commissioners...Jacob D. Smith, Republican; Hamlin...]
[Divorce Commissioners...Jacob D. Smith, (Politics and address heretofore given.)]
[Republican Executive Committee-John S. Pridemore, Chairman; Jacob D. Smith, Secretary, A. W. Hoff, Treasurer, Hamlin.]
[ON EDUCATION. Messrs. Hill, Chairman; Johnson, Ashburn, McKown, Talbot, Gartlan, Hicks, Fisher, Campbell.-Jacob D. Smith, Clerk.]
WVU Catalogue (1899-1900), p. 221:
[Special Law Students
Smith, Jacob David...Hamlin.]
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
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