Hugh J. Smith (1844–1908) was a Los Angeles, California, businessman who was a member of the City Council there in 1894–96.
Smith was born in Ireland, and in 1866 he emigrated to the United States with six of his brothers, and all became farmers in Logan County, Illinois. He moved to Ventura County, California, in 1876 and farmed there for four years on the noted Dixie Thompson ranch for ten years."The New Councilman," Los Angeles Herald, April 23, 1894 He then moved to Los Angeles, where he became a "large property owner.""Hugh J. Smith," Los Angeles Express, March 21, 1894 He was married in November 1897 at the age of 51 to Bridget Eliza Mitchell, 42, of Vermont."Marriage Licenses," Los Angeles Herald, November 18, 1897
Smith was appointed in April 1894 to the Los Angeles City Council to represent the 8th Ward upon the resignation of John Tracy Gaffey. He was succeeded by Thomas Savage in December 1894.Chronological Record of Los Angeles City Officials 1850–1938, Municipal Reference Library, March 1938, reprinted 1946
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and treasurer of the Los Angeles chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians."Death Brings Pioneer Rest," Los Angeles Times, December 30, 1908, page II-1
In December 1896 he was a saloonkeeper at Fifth and Los Angeles Streets."Where Is Riley?" Los Angeles Times, December 13, 1896, page 29
He died on December 29, 1908, in his home at 1102 San Julian Street, "after a long and painful illness." He left his wife, Bridget, and a son, Denis E. Smith.
References