Joseph Showalter Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph S. Smith
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Oregon's At-large district |
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| In office March 4, 1869 – March 3, 1871 |
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| Preceded by | Rufus Mallory |
| Succeeded by | James H. Slater |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 20, 1824 Connellsville, Pennsylvania |
| Died | September 28, 1884 (aged 60) Portland, Oregon |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Julia A. Carter |
Joseph Showalter Smith (born June 20, 1824 – died September 28, 1884) was an American lawyer and politician. He served one term as a representative for the state of Oregon in the United States House of Representatives. This is a part of the U.S. Congress, where laws are made for the country.
Early Life and Adventures
Joseph Showalter Smith was born in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. His parents were farmers, and they moved to Ohio and Indiana when he was young. He went to regular schools there.
In 1844, when he was 20 years old, Joseph went on an amazing journey. He was one of the early travelers on the famous Oregon Trail. This was a long and difficult path that pioneers took to move to the western parts of the United States.
He arrived in Oregon in the spring of 1845. Joseph settled in Salem, which is now the capital city of Oregon. In Salem, he worked as a school teacher. He also studied law and soon became a lawyer.
Starting in Politics
In 1851, Joseph tried to become the first mayor of Portland. A mayor is the leader of a city. He lost the election by only four votes!
In 1853, he moved to Olympia, Washington. This city is now the capital of Washington state. In 1856, he was elected to the Washington territorial house of representatives. This group helped govern the territory before it became a state. He even served as the "speaker," which means he was the leader of that group.
Later, in 1857, President James Buchanan appointed him as the United States attorney for Washington Territory. A U.S. attorney represents the government in legal cases.
Back to Oregon and Congress
Joseph Smith returned to Salem, Oregon, in 1858. He worked as a lawyer for the next twelve years. In 1862, his political party, the Democrats, wanted him to run for a judge position on the Oregon Supreme Court. However, he decided not to accept the nomination.
In 1866, he ran for the United States Senate. The Senate is the other part of the U.S. Congress. He lost this election by just three votes in the state legislature.
In 1868, Joseph Smith was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served one term, from March 4, 1869, to March 4, 1871. After his time in Congress, he moved to Portland, Oregon and continued his law practice.
In 1882, he ran for Governor of Oregon. The governor is the top leader of a state. He lost this election to Zenas Ferry Moody.
Later Life
Joseph Showalter Smith passed away in Portland, Oregon, on September 28, 1884. He was buried in River View Cemetery in Portland.
