Hawthorne, Julian.  "The Story of Oregon."  Vol. 2. New York: American
Historical Publishing Co., 1892.  p. 438.
 
MILTON W. SMITH

     Among those who have gained prominence in the legal fraternity of this
State, none stand higher in the estimation of the Bar than does the subject of
this biography. Although comparatively a young man, he occupies a niche in the
history of the legal department of our fair State. He has won honor and
distinction at the hands of a somewhat fastidious public. Milton W. Smith was
born in Aurora, Marion County, Ore., July 15th, 1855. Being possessed of an
active brain, naturally ambitious, and realizing the scope that the practice of
law afforded an energetic young man to attain fame and fortune, Mr. Smith early
decided to adopt it as a profession, and during his school days improved his
mind with that object in view. After completing a preparatory course in the
common schools of Yamhill County, he went to Forest Grove, Ore., and entered as
a student in the Pacific University, which is second to none in the State for
thoroughness and general excellence. Mr. Smith was a close student, and being
possessed of a retentive memory, he soon showed marked progress. He graduated
with honors from that university in 1878, obtaining the degrees of B.A. and
A.M., and at once entered the office of Colonel W. H. Effenger, under whose
tuition he commenced reading law, and completed his studies with Hon. Matthew P.
Deady, remaining under that gentleman's instruction until March, 1881, when he
was admitted to the Bar. The following August Mr. Smith entered upon the
practice of his profession in Portland. He has applied himself closely to his
profession ever since, and no young attorney in the State stands higher in the
estimation of the people than he. He has labored earnestly to master the
intricate details of the law, and while none of us are supposed to be too old to
learn, still we feel justified in saying that Mr. Smith's knowledge of law
favorably compares with that of any member of the Portland Bar. He is remarkably
clear-headed and grasps with readiness any knotty problem of law, and he is
quick in forming an opinion. Although Mr. Smith has positive views as to the
conduct of public affairs, and takes a very active interest in all matters
pertaining to the advancement and improvement of the city and State, the
management of his profession, for which he is mentally and physically so well
adapted, offers to one of his temperament by far a more congenial and useful
field than any political career. Mr. Smith's friendships are strong, and his
enemies (if he has any) are among those who are least acquainted with him, for
those who know him most intimately are his warmest and most enthusiastic
friends. Mr. Smith was married October 6th, 1881, to Miss Alice Sweek, of
Tualitin, Washington County, Ore. Their family consists of two bright and
intelligent daughters, and their home life is one of perfect congeniality.

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in February 2009 by Diana Smith. Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.