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... James W. Smith, a native-born son of Ohio, for his birth place was in Cedar Valley, Wayne County.  He early came to Ashland, before the new county was formed.  He was of more dignified mein than either McComb or Curtis;  more attractive than either in his general bearing;  more eloquent than these two associates, or either of them.  Very careful and precise in the conduct of his business.  Politically a Republican, and to him was accorded a nomination by his party for the Common Pleas Bench, and, though not elected, it was the consensus of public opinion he would have honored the judiciary of Ohio in his service.  He was devoted to his church, and was for many years and Elder thereof.  He attained nearly three score and ten years, for he passed away on April 7, 1886, aged 69 years.  His wife and son, George B., who entered the legal profession, and one daughter survive him.

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