* A portrait has been posted on-line at http://homepages. rootsweb.com/~westklic/wcportrait.html
HON. EZRA LEONARD SMITH was born in Vermont, on September 17, 1837, the son of Ezra and Avis (Barker) Smith, natives of Connecticut and Haverhill, New Hampshire, respectively. The father came from a prominent American family, the first of whom, Richard Smith, came to Massachusetts in 1630.
Ezra L. Smith was educated in the Orleans Liberal Institute of Glover, Vermont and at Lombard University of Galesburg, Illinois. On March 4, 1861, he was married at Woodstock, Illinois to Georgiana Slocum, second daughter of Ira and Marietta (Sheldon) Slocum.
Going to California in 1861, he lived six years in that state, most of the time in Eldorado county, where he was interested in mining. In 1865-66, he was a member of the California legislature and during his whole residence in California, was an enthusiastic Republican. In 1867, he was appointed secretary of Washington territory, upon the recommendation of William H. Seward, by President Johnson. A portion of the time he served as secretary, he also acted as governor of the territory, owing to the illness and enforced absence of Governor Marshall Moore.
Mr. Smith with George A. Barnes and William H. Avery established the first bank in Olympia, under the name of George A. Barnes & Co. Mr. Smith also served as a member of the territorial council.
After a residence of nine years in Olympia, on account of failing health, he moved to Hood River, Oregon, in 1876, where he engaged in farming and also had a general merchandise store. He was appointed register of The Dalles land office in 1883 and after his term of office expired, he returned to Hood River, where he has resided continuously since 1886. In 1888 he was elected to the Oregon Legislature and he was made speaker of the House of Representatives. He was three times president of the Columbia River Waterway Association. For three years, he has been president of the State Horticultural Society and is serving his fourth year as president of the State Board of Horticulture. Mr. Smith is an enthusiastic horticulturist and devoted to the upbuilding of his home town.
Mr. Smith's family consists of his wife and four married daughters; Jessie, wife of Dr. J.F. Watt; Avis, wife of William M. Stewart; Georgiana, wife of J.E. Rand; and Anne C., wife of Rev. O.J. Nelson.
*******************
Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in January 2005 by Jeffrey L. Elmer. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.