Hines, H. K. "An Illustrated History of the State of Oregon." Chicago: Lewis
Pub. Co. 1893.  p. 579.
 
H. A. SMITH

     The present Sheriff of Clatsop county, Oregon, was born on the Cape of Good
Hope, January 22, 1854, a son of J. A. Smith, a native of Holland.   In and
early day the latter went to the diamond fields of Africa, in search of wealth,
but returned to Rotterdam, Holland, after a successful journey to the Black
Continent, Mr. Smith then engaged in business in his native country.
     The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of Holland
until fifteen years of age, when he began to learn the blacksmiths' trade, at
which he worked six years.  In the spring of 1876 he sailed for San Francisco,
thence to Portland, Oregon, and two months later went on a prospecting tour to
Snake river, where he was employed by bridge contractor, J. W. Stoneman, who now
has charge of the works on the famous Columbia river jetty.  In 1881 he became a
citizen of Astoria, and first engaged in fishing on the Columbia river, was one
of the organizers of the Fishermen's Union, in May, 1885, and was elected its
first treasurer.  Mr. Smith resigned this position in 1887, and ran for the
office of Chief of Police of Astoria, in December, 1887, on the Democratic
ticket, but was defeated.  In June, 1888, he was elected Constable by a large
majority; in November, 1888, was appointed to fill the unexpired term of W. G.
Ross, Sheriff of Clatsop county, resigned in June, 1890, was elected to that
office by a large majority, and June 6, 1892, was re-elected by a large
majority, while the county averages a Republican majority of about 400.  His
majority, the lowest, was 298, on the Democratic ticket.  He is now serving his
third term.  Our subject held the position of Deputy United States Marshal for
Astoria, while being Sheriff, under President Cleveland, three years.  Socially,
he affiliates with the A.O.U.W., and K. of P. and Uniform rank of K.of P., of
which rank he is now Captain, and also a member of B.P.O.E., in which he has
passed all the chairs.  He is yet a young man, with a host of friends, and a
bright future.

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in November 2005 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.