Sacramento
County
Biographies
EDWIN
FREDERICK SMITH
We feel proud of the men who are of that class
of native born Californians who are good representatives of the Argonauts.
Opportunity, climate and descent have developed a race of men mentally and
physically who are the peers of any nation. Edwin F. Smith was born in
Sacramento in 1853. His father, Capt. F. C. Smith, was a pioneer to this State
and took an active and prominent part in developing our resources. His mother,
Lydia G. Petrie, was a most estimable woman, who endured privations of frontier
life and to whom was left the care of their son and daughter after the death of
her husband. At an early age the subject of our sketch commenced the battle of
life by selling papers in Sacramento, and at 12 years of age was driving a milk
wagon for wages which were given to his revered mother for the support of the
family. Attending school, working on a farm, in saddle as a vaquero at intervals, was his career
until he had gained his majority, when, happening in the office of the Pacific
Union Express one day, a total stranger to him at that time (Mr. J. H. Burnham,
now of Folsom), estimating his ability, solicited and at once engaged him as
“letter clerk” for the Sacramento office and Pony Express rider. When this
company closed business he entered into the employ of Wells, Fargo & Co.,
and served through all the departments during the eight years he was in their
employ. In 1876 he tried mercantile life on his own account, and in 1879 was
elected Secretary of the Constitutional Convention. In 1880 he was elected
Secretary of the State Agricultural Society, and has been continuously
re-elected, including 1889. At the time he took the position the receipts were
$34,000; now they have reached to over $90,000. His tact, executive ability and
large experience add to his efficiency as an executive officer, and it seems to
be a position which he naturally adorns and is suited to his taste and desire.
The State Agricultural Society is a subject that Mr. Smith warms up upon; he
favors progression, and is a hearty supporter of any and all projects to make
the society useful. He keeps a vigilant eye on all wrong-doers, so that they do
not seek his acquaintance and give all racing under the management of the State
society a wide berth. He believes in discipline of the turf, and all who take
part in its pastimes; claiming that due dignity and rectitude can here be upheld
as well as in any other calling.
He served as Secretary of the
Senate, 25th session, Extra session 1884, 26th session,
and Extra session 1886. A newspaper correspondent wrote of him thus while
acting in this capacity:
“The proportion of distances from
ear to ear, from eye to chin from nose to eye-brow, from left corner of mouth
to dome of forehead, is observed according to Hogarth’s description of a
well-made face. Mr. Smith is an excellent reader and calls the roll with power
and vivacity. The nerves in his boots tremble as the chords in his throat
vibrate. He is a hard, conscientious worker, and fills the position with credit
to himself and satisfaction to the Senate.”
Nature endowed him with a fine
physical development and bright intellect. During his incumbency as Secretary
of the State Agricultural Society he has given the Directors great aid in its
management, and to his quick foresight and business tact is greatly due the
success of that institution. To adjust details and harmonize differences in an
organization of this character requires a mind especially adapted to this class
of business, and fortunately for the Society they have such a one in their
present Secretary.
He is a man of family, consisting of
a beautiful and devoted wife and two lovely children, and is thoroughly
domestic, enjoying the home life with those around him whom he loves and lives
for.
Transcribed By: Cecelia M. Setty.
Source: “Illustrated Fraternal Directory Including
Educational Institutions on the Pacific Coast”, Page 98, Publ.
Bancroft Co., San Francisco. Cal. 1889.
© 2012 Cecelia
M. Setty.