FRANK W. SMITH City Attorney of Redding, Shasta County, California, has by his own go-aheadativeness and push, won for himself a position of prominence and influence.

Mr. Smith was born in Dubuque, Iowa, July 27, 1854. His father, Thomas Smith, a native of Ireland, came to the United States when a young man, and was subsequently united in marriage to Margaret Burk, a native of Louisiana. He was a merchant in Iowa, and came to California in 1859. To them were born four children. Their oldest son, Frank W., the subject of this sketch, received the principle part of his education in the schools of Cascade, a live little city of Iowa. After leaving school he started out for himself as a farm hand. Then for a few years he was engaged in railway service as a train-man, advancing to the position of conductor before leaving that calling. For a year or more he was a miner in El Dorado County, California. From that place he went to Red Bluff, and with others started the People’s Cause, the first daily paper published in that city. Then he published the Ledger, a daily at Marysville. He subsequently sold out, went East and became the city editor of the Herald and Elevator, which was published at Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was also editor and proprietor of the Summit County Leader, of Breckenridge, Colorado. He returned to California and was associated with the Mining and Scientific Press, as traveling correspondent. While acting in this capacity he visited many of the mines of the State and wrote articles of value in connection with mining interests. Then for one year he was on the editorial staff of the San Francisco Chronicle. While there he became interested in the study of the law, read in the office of J. N. E. Wilson, then district attorney of the city and county of San Francisco, and attended the Hastings College of Law. After his admission to the State Supreme Court he practiced a short time in San Francisco. From there he removed to El Dorado County, and in 1887 went to Redding, Shasta County. Being impressed with the bright prospects of Redding and this section of the country he decided to cast his lot here. He opened his law office and has met with flattering success, doing a good business, and having had charge of several important cases which were decided in favor of his clients. He has a nice office and an extensive library. Mr. Smith is a hard worker, a careful and technical pleader, and a forcible speaker. He has been admitted to practice in all the Courts of Record and is Commissioner of the United State Circuit Court for Shasta County. He has received the appointment of Notary Public, and, as already stated at the beginning of this article, is Attorney for the city of Redding.

Mr. Smith is a stanch Republican; has been Secretary of the Republican County Central Committee; he took an active part in the campaign that elected President Harrison. He was tendered the nomination for District Attorney, but withdrew from the contest, preferring to give his full attention to the practice of his profession and make it the business of his life. Mr. Smith is a member of the I.O.O.F., and was chairman of the committee that had charge of the laying of the corner-stone of the new temple of Redding Lodge, No. 271, and the dedication of the same. He is not a church member, but believes in religious institutions and contributes liberally to their support. He takes a lively interest in everything that tends toward the upbuilding and prosperity of the county.

Source: Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler