Elias J. Smith
American politician (1858–1917)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Elias Jefferson Smith (November 7, 1858 - January 19, 1917) was an American state official. He served as State Auditor of Mississippi from 1908 to 1912.
Elias J. Smith | |
|---|---|
| 22nd State Auditor of Mississippi | |
| In office January 1908 – January 1912 | |
| Governor | Edmond Noel |
| Preceded by | Thomas Monroe Henry |
| Succeeded by | Duncan L. Thompson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 7, 1858 |
| Died | January 19, 1917 (aged 58) |
| Party | Democratic |
Early life
Elias Jefferson Smith was born on November 7, 1858, near Buena Vista, Mississippi.[1] He was the son of Civil War veteran John Edward Smith and Martha Elizabeth Brewer.[1] He was of English descent.[1] Smith attended the County Schools of Chickasaw County and a course at Leidin's Business College in Memphis.[1]
Career
Smith moved to Jackson, Mississippi, in 1886, and became a general bookkeeper in the office of State Auditor W. W. Stone.[2] Smith served as City Auditor of Jackson, Mississippi, for 6 years.[1] He served in the State Auditor's Office of Mississippi for 17 years.[1] During the term of Thomas Monroe Henry (1904-1908), Smith served as deputy auditor.[3] In 1907, Smith defeated T. R. Maxwell in the Democratic Primary for State Auditor of Mississippi.[3] On November 5, 1907, Smith was elected as a Democrat to serve as State Auditor of Mississippi for the 1908-1912 term.[1] In 1916, Smith was appointed chief office deputy by Sheriff W. S. Wells.[2] Smith died in a car accident on January 19, 1917, in Jackson.[4]
Personal life
Smith was a Methodist by religion.[1] He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of the World, and the Order of the Elks.[1] Smith married Minnie Troup on November 8, 1882.[1] They had one child, who predeceased Smith.[2]