Hines, H. K. "An Illustrated History of the State of Oregon." Chicago: Lewis
Pub. Co. 1893.  p. 1229.
 
P. T. SMITH

     Was born in Monroe county, Tennessee, in 1834, where his grandfather
settled prior to the Revolutionary war, and after defending the country of his
adoption against Great Britain, he settled to an agricultural life, and lived to
the ripe old age of ninety-four years.  The father of our subject sold out his
interests in Tennessee in 1852, and with his family emigrated to Grand Prairie,
Greene county, Missouri, and there engaged in farming, but was more extensively
interested in the stock business until his death.  Nine children were born to
this union, P. T. Smith being the youngest child.  He was reared upon the farm,
and early inclined toward the stock business, in which he was chiefly engaged
after reaching Missouri.
     In 1853 he was purchasing agent for Messrs. Whitlock & Steward, and, in
1854, with a band of 1,000 head of cattle, they set out to cross the plains to
California, our subject being one of the drivers, and also detailed as hunter
for the party, thus working his way across.  The trip was made in four months
and twelve days, arriving at Sacramento valley, where, after six months in
fattening, the stock was sold out.  Soon after his arrival Mr. Smith went to the
mines on Battle Creek, Shasta county, and in that locality he followed placer
mining for about four years, without striking any rich "lead."  He then went to
the Fraser river mines in British Columbia, but because of the large emigration,
the river was overstocked, prices of living were very high, and subject returned
to Oregon.  He then purchased 150 acres of the D. S. Southmayd donation claim
near the present town of St. John's Town, and engaged in the logging business,
which he followed successfully for thirteen years, investing his savings in
other lands until he owned 16,000 acres.  He also built 400 feet of dock upon
the river, and engaged in the wood business, supplying the river steamers with
fuel.
     About 1872 he began trading in stock, and started a dairy of twenty cows,
which was gradually increased to sixty cows, and is still continued under the
management of his son, Henry W.  Mr. Smith is also engaged in raising horses,
and some very choice stock.  He has reduced his landed interests to 1,000 acres
of farm land and range for his horses and cattle.  Beside his dock he owns forty
rods of valuable water front below St. John's.  He laid off Smith's addition to
the town of St. John's; built his residence there in about 1876, and there he
still resides.
     He was married in Multnomah county, in 1862, to Miss Mary J. Winde, a
daughter of John Winde, who crossed the plains in 1852, and took up his donation
claim in Multnomah county.  To the above union has been added nine children,
seven of whom survive:  Henry W., Frank, Sarah Q., Mary A, Effie L., Philip A.
and Lizzie P.  Mr. Smith has taken no lively interest in politics, except to
help maintain honest elections, and as School Trustee to aid in advancing
educational facilities.  His life has been one of activity, push and enterprise,
and his success is but the just reward of intelligent, honest labor.

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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.