Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers. "An Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties") Spokane, WA: Western Historical Publishing Co., 1905. p. 498. JAMES H. SMITH is well known throughout Sherman and Wasco counties and is one of the substantial citizens of Grass Valley at the present time. He is practically retired front business, although he owns an interest in the firm of E. E. Porter & Company, one of the successful mercantile houses of Grass Valley. James H. Smith was born in New Brunswick, on November 4, 1853. John B. Smith, his father, was a native of Scotland and came to New Brunswick when fourteen years old, accompanying his parents. He followed farming all his life and died in New Brunswick, in 1901. He married Isabel Amos, who was born while her parents were crossing the Atlantic ocean from Scotland to New Brunswick. Our subject was reared in his native place and there educated. On October 19, 1875, he came west and finally selected a location between Dufur and Kingsley, where he commuted on a preemption. Four years later, he came across the Des Chutes and engaged in sheep-raising, following the same successfully for twenty years. Then he homesteaded and bought land about nine miles out from Grass Valley. In 1895, he came to Grass Valley and engaged in the hardware business with George Bourhill. Later, he was in partnership with W. F. Weigand. In 1903, he sold out to his partner and since then has been practically retired from business, although he has an interest in the mercantile house mentioned. Mr. Smith owns a residence right in the center of town and several lots, besides other property. In August, 1884, Mr. Smith married Mary E. Offield, the wedding occurring near Kingsley. In 1890, Mrs. Smith was called hence by death. Two years later, August 6, 1892, Mr. Smith married Callie Offield, a sister of his former wife, the wedding occurring in Lane county. She was born near Salem, Oregon and her parents are William H. and A. (Jones) Offield. Mr. Smith has three brothers; Thomas H., a sheep man in North Yakima; Robert, a merchant at Sisters, Crook county, and Alexander, who also has a mercantile house at Sisters, Crook county. He also has one sister, Agnes, the wife of Mr. Brownell, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Smith has one an sister, Nettie, married to Augustine Risdon, an insurance man in Seattle. To our subject and his wife three children have been born, Mary B., Eltha and Leslie. Fraternally, Mr. Smith is popularly connected, being affiliated with the I. O. O. F., the Encampment and the Elks. He is past grand and past C. P. of the former order and has frequently been delegate to the grand lodges. He also is frequently a delegate to the political conventions and is a member of the city council at the present time. Of Mr. Smith, it may be said that his life thus far has always been spent in wise labors ever striving to build up and assist both the country and every one with whom he comes in contact. Thus, he has won many friends and a standing second to none in the community. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in October 2010 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.