Addison G. Smith was a corporation and railroad lawyer of Birmingham. He was born at Livingston, Sumter county, Ala., Oct. 1, 1851. His father, Edward Ward Smith (1825 NC-1874 AL) was a native of North Carolina, a graduate of Princeton university, a Confederate soldier and lawyer of Livingston, Alabama.
Addison G. Smith’s mother was, Martha A. (Houston) Smith (1831-1858) daughter of Matthew Cyrus Houston (1799 – 1872) and Martha Lyle (Gillespie) Houston (1806-1884), who were natives of Blount County, Tennessee and pioneers of early Alabama.
Addison G. Smith was the first Democrat elected to the legislature from that county after the Civil war. He died at Livingston, Ala., Feb. 25, 1874. His mother was Martha, daughter of M. C. and M. L. Houston, a native of Morgan County, Alabama., and a scion of a prominent Southern family; she died April 12th, 1858.
Mr. Smith received his early education in the common schools of Sumter county, with three years attendance in school at Lincolnton, N. C. Then he was graduated in law from Cumberland university, at Lebanon, Tennessee in 1873, receiving the degree of bachelor of laws. Addison Smith then began the practice of law with his father at Livingston, Alabama and remained with him until his father’s death.
From 1878 to 1882 he was law partner with Hon. Reubin Chapman. He served as mayor of Livingston for two years, and resigned to become State senator from Sumter county for a four years term, when he declined to be renominated. Addison was solicitor for the sixth judicial circuit, and held the office nearly five years then resigned and moved to Birmingham, Sept. 1, 1891, to take charge of the business of the Alabama Great Southern railroad and also East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia railroad.
In 1894 he formed a partnership with James Weatherly and the firm of Smith & Weatherly represented the Southern railway, Alabama Great Southern railroad, and the Birmingham Southern railroad. This firm existed until March 1, 1902, when the firm became A. G. & E. D. Smith , the latter, a son, being admitted to partnership. The railroad business was divided, Mr. Weatherly taking that of the Southern and A. G. & E. D., Mr. Smith continuing to represent the Alabama Great Southern and Birmingham Southern railroads.
For nine years Mr. Smith acted as receiver for the Lady Ensley Coal, Iron & Railroad company, which was one of the finest properties of the State. Mr. Smith also represented the Alabama National bank, the Kaul Lumber company, and the Kaul Land & Lumber company. He was a member of the Birmingham Bar association and Alabama State Bar association. He was affiliated with the Episcopal church.
In 1892 he was chairman of State Democratic executive committee, and during the years of his administration Cleveland was elected and the Populist party defeated in the State election, though it was claimed the latter outnumbered the Democrats. He was a member of the Southern club and of the Country club.
He married in Mobile, Alabama., Dec. 1, 1875, Florence, daughter of Devereux Hopkins (1813-1900) and Elizabeth W. (Ryan) Hopkins. (1821-1881)
They had four children:
Edward Devereux Smith ,
Katie Smith (Oct. 22, 1883- Dec. 30, 1985) married Jehu Thomas Stokely, (1878-1950) She is buried in Woodland Cemetery, Ashland, Hanover County,Virginia, USA
Sidney Preston Smith
Addison G. Smith , Jr. (Feb. 1886- September 22, 1891) buried in Myrtlewood Cemetery, Livingston, Sumter County, Alabama.
Mr. Smith was a man of strong personality. He was an able lawyer, a logical speaker, and a successful business man.
Addison G. Smith was a member of the Scotch-Irish Society in America and attended the 5th Congress in May 1889 in Columbia, Tennesse. Florence his wife was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Addison G. Smith died May 16, 1933 in Livingston, Sumter County, Alabama and is buried in Myrtlewood Cemetery, Livingston, Sumter County, Alabama.
His wife, Florence D. (Hopkins) Smith died Jan. 24, 1928 and is also buried in Myrtlewood Cemetery, Livingston, Sumter County, Alabama.
SOURCES
Notable men of Alabama By Joel Campbell DuBoseVol. III
Directory of the Chapters, Officers and Members By 3.Daughters of the American Revolution
The Scotch-Irish in America By Scotch-Irish Society of America
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