Scott County Arkansas Biographies

Waldron News
19 February 1976
The Scott County Bicentennial Committee Salutes:
Dr. James H. Smith

This article was taken from an issue of the Waldron Reporter dated Sept. 17, 1903. No one is missed from the streets of Waldron more than is Doctor Smith. Strange to say this grand old man is gone from us forever. For more than forty five years he has been a leading character of Scott County.Though passed ninety years of age he was, up to a few months ago, a familiar figure upon the streets of Waldron with his courtly smile, pleasant face, fine form, friendly grip of the hand, and good wishes for everybody. Physically he was almost a perfect man, being over six feet tall, large frame with strong expressive features, flowing white hair and weighing more than two hundred pounds. James Harris Smith was born in Wilson County, Tenn. June 17, 1813; he was the eldest of eight children and brought up to farm life. The doctor about 1841, began the study of medicine in Alabama, attending during 1845-46 the Louisville Medical Institute of Kentucky, after which he at once entered upon his practice in Alabama, where he continued until 1856 when he removed to Scott County, Arkansas and settled five miles west of Waldron, and with the exception of from 1863 to 1867 resided there until 1881, since which time he was resident of Waldron. He was quite well to do and besides owning some valuable town property, had over 500 acres of land. From 1860 to 1862, he was County and Probate Judge of Scott County, and in 1876 was elected to the State Legislature. He was a charter member of Waldron Lodge No. 132 of the A.F. & A.M. and he and his family are members in good standing of the Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. Smith was one of the oldest and most universally known and highly respected citizens and physicians in Western Arkansas. He was universally loved. The doctor's funeral was conducted by Revs. L.F. Patterson, J.W. Hulsey and J.W. Richardson. He was laid to rest in Smith graveyard five miles west of Waldron, to await the sound of the trumpet on resurrection morn. A sincere salute to a person who served his fellowmen! Happy Birthday U.S.A.