Legislator Details
Image Description:
From:
Sprague's history of Grand Traverse and Leelanaw counties, Michigan... , edited and compiled by Elvin L. Sprague and Mrs. George N. Smith. p.374
William Wallace Smith Jr.
Number of sessions served 2
Gender: Male
Age at election: 67
Vital Records Information:
Birth
Date: 8/22/1849
City: Constania, NY
County: Oswego County, NY
Country: US
Death
Date: 1/23/1929
City: Traverse City, MI
County: Grand Traverse County, MI
Country: US
Type of Burial: mausoleum
Burial
Date: 1/25/1929
City: Traverse City, MI
County: Grand Traverse County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery: Oakwood Cemetery
Marital Information:
married Susan Elizabeth Reynolds, 6/8/1874, in Traverse City, MI; children: 11, Ada Iris (Pratt), Jennie May (Rennie), William E., Grace Mathilda, Harry Clifford, Jay Perry, Edith, Helen Elizabeth [Edith and 2 other died as infants]
Number of Children: 11
Background
Religion: Congregationalist
Military Service:
Occupation: businessman: mercantile and milling
Race: Caucasian or White
Education:
Biographical Sketch:
Son of William W. & Ada A. (West) Smith. Grew up in Oswego, NY. Moved to Traverse City, 1860 at about age 10. He began working in a sawmill at 13, but later worked: as a cabin boy, 1864-66; in a grocery store, 1874-84; a ship steward & clerk. He managed a flouring mill for 18 yrs. Alderman of Traverse City, 10 yrs; Mayor of Traverse City, 2 yrs.; and justice of the peace. Member of the Masons. the Odd Fellows, the Knights of the Maccabees, the Foresters & the Knights of Pythias. He attended a Congregationalist church with his family but was not a member.
Notable Facts:
Sessions Served:
Committees Served On: Finance and Appropriations , Insurance , Penal Institutions, Railroads
City of Residence: Traverse City
County of Residence Grand Traverse
District Description: Comprising the counties of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Missaukee and Wexford
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Departed
Notes: Chair of the Committee on Railroads
Committees Served On: Fisheries , Forestry & State Lands , Michigan Farm Colony for Epileptics, Pontiac State Hospital , Railroads , State Tuberculosis Sanitorium , Supplies and Expenses
City of Residence: Traverse City
County of Residence Grand Traverse
District Description: comprising the counties of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Missaukee, and Wexford
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected
Bibliography:
Sprague p.374-76, portrait facing p.374; Manual 1917 p. 783; Find-a-Grave.com, includes portraits; SJ 1929 p.63, SR25; MIMarRec 1867-1952; Michiganology; USCen 1900
