"Portrait & Biographical Record of the Willamette Valley Oregon." Chapman Publishing Company, 1903. p. 1221. JAMES REID SMITH A thriving business man of Corvallis, and one of the leading hardware merchants, Mr. Smith is a fine representative of the self-made men of Benton county, who have steadily and surely climbed the ladder of success, winning by their own efforts places of importance in financial, fraternal and political circles. Commencing in life with moderate means, he has labored with persistent industry, and by superior management, prudence and shrewd foresight has established a large and constantly increasing business, one of the finest in the city, where he is familiarly known and much esteemed. A native of Ontario, Mr. Smith was born July 8, 1858, in Waterdown, Wentworth county, a son of William Smith. His father was born in Ireland, but emigrated to Waterdown, Ont., where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death. His wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Reid, was a native of the north of Ireland and a daughter of James Reid, who came from Ireland to America at an early day and located in Ontario, where he improved a farm, on which he spent his remaining days. Nine children were born of their union, six of whom grew to years of maturity, and five are now living, James Reid being the only one to settle in the United States. After completing his studies at the district school, James R. Smith served an apprenticeship of three years at the tinsmith's trade in Waterdown, going from there to Port Sarnia, afterwards crossing the river into Michigan and settling, in 1880, at Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he worked at his trade four years. Coming to Oregon in 1884, he spent a short time in Portland, then went to British Columbia. In the fall of that year he returned to Oregon and began work as a tinsmith in Albany. The following spring he located in Corvallis, embarking in the hardware business, at the same time continuing his trade, for two years. Selling out his stock in 1888, Mr. Smith was employed as a tinsmith for two years in Corvallis, and then in Fairhaven, Wash., for a year. In 1881, returning to Corvallis, he bought out J. D. Clark and again established himself in the mercantile business, becoming head of the firm of J. R. Smith & Co., a position that he has since occupied. This firm carries on an extensive plumbing and tinsmithing business, and has an excellent trade in stoves, tinware and agricultural implements of all kinds, including Plano binders, the Deer & Coulton farming tools, Old Hickory wagons, and, in fact, everything necessary to stock a farm carried on with the latest and best improved machinery, his highest endeavor being to please his numerous patrons. Mr. Smith married in Corvallis Miss Ollie Smith, who was born of pioneer parents in southern Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one child, Grace Smith. Politically Mr. Smith supports the principles of the Republican party, being active in its ranks, and has been for a number of terms one of the county committee and of the county central committee. He was elected as councilman for a period of ten years, but resigned before the expiration of the term. As street commissioner he rendered the city valuable service, the sewer being put in operation while he was serving in that office. Fraternally he is a member of the Ancient Order United Workmen. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in March 2007 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.